September 17, 2026
115
Bruce County is celebrating the 50th anniversary of the first time it hosted the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo back in 1976, and looks forward to welcoming thousands to this year's event, slated west of Walkerton, next week.
The organizing committee held a media day, Friday, Sept. 11, offering local news outlets, politicians and volunteers a first-hand look at the tented city.
Julie B of Blackburn Media was MC and welcomed several dignitaries to the stage, including Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and MPP Lisa Thompson, Bruce County deputy warden Don Murray, Brockton mayor Chris Peabody, Dwight Irwin of Bruce Power, Cathy Lasby of the Ontario Plowmen's Association, Ontario Queen of the Furrow Victoria Kolb, and Bruce County IPM committee chairman Gord Lang.
They all congratulated the IPM committee and volunteers and wished them well on the event which runs from Sept. 22-26.
Tom Evans of Tiverton, five-time Canadian plowing champion who is headed for the world competition in Kenya in November, 2027, made the ceremonial first furrow.
The group then went on a tour of the tented city, in four people-movers, checking out the main stage, the quilt tent, artisans' tent, education tent, antiques tent, and family centre tent. The IPM features more than 500 exhibitors on about 150 acres of land, and is expected to draw around 100,000 visitors.
Following a light lunch, the group enjoyed a performance by Team Farmall and its Square-Dancing Tractors which will provide entertainment throughout the week.
Taking up the tractor controls, were Doug Ireland, Brian McKague, Blair Scott, Steve Donaldson, Don Baks, Wilf Baks, Ryan Bates and Mark Ireland. There have been three generations of Irelands performing on this team. Guest caller was Lisa Thompson, with Rachel Anstett set to do the calling at the IPM.
For a schedule events for the IPM and more details, visit theipm.ca.
Team Farmall performs on the Square-Dancing Tractors at the Bruce County IPM media day, Sept. 11
Written ByLiz Dadson is the founder and editor of the Kincardine Record and has been in the news business since 1986.
Related Stories
No related stories.