It’s normally an alfalfa field on a dairy farm at the edge of Mitchell, but for the rest of the week, it will play host to a who’s who of rural Ontario.
The 2013 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo kicks off Tuesday morning and runs through Saturday at the site, with this year’s edition designed to showcase Perth County farmers on their home turf.
“It gives us an opportunity to showcase what we do every day,” says Cathy Lasby, executive director of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association.
“We have a really positive story to tell and this is a great opportunity for us to do that.”
Perth County farmers will have opportunities to prove that story correct, as all food served over the week will be from county farms.
“We grow the best food in the world and we’re here to prove it,” says facility manager Paul Verkley.
In addition to Perth County’s rich agricultural history, the IPM’s own history will feature prominently over the five days, as 2013 marks the 100th anniversary of the first International Plowing Match in Ontario.
The first International Plowing Match was held in 1913 in downtown Toronto, on the site that now holds the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.
A special tent will commemorate the history of the event, featuring past trophies and artifacts from the initial affair.
Farmers and farming enthusiasts from across the province are expected to attend the event.
Pat Bellefeuille and her husband had already pulled into the festival’s large RV section Monday, as volunteers put the finishing touches on the show.
“Every couple years we come down with our RV,” says the Ottawa-area resident.
“We just love it. Lots to see, lots to do.”
Other events to be held over the course of the week include a concert by country singer George Canyon and an aerial performance from the Snowbirds.
CTV’s David Imrie will have more on this story tonight on CTV News at Six.
