The 2022 Eastern Ontario International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo sign was erected on the site of the upcoming five-day event late last year. Running from Sept. 20 to 24, the event is set to take place in Kemptville in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville. Pictured left to right: IPM Director of Marketing Committee Cassidy Reaney, IPM director of Tented City and RV Park Hugh O’Neill, Ontario Plowing Association (OPA) director and IPM director of related events Kate Maitland, IPM director of plowing committee Barb Maitland, Leeds and Grenville warden Robert Haley, Barry Redmond (North Grenville Public Works Dept.), Gary Como (Public Works Dept.), Doug Scott (Public Works Dept.), OPA president Robert McLean, IPM director of local organizing committee Harry Bennett, North Grenville Mayor Nancy Peckford, Deputy Mayor Jim McManaman, Councillor John Barclay, IPM director of special events Shannon Thompson, and Coun. Kristin Strackerjan. Courtesy Photo
By Sandy Casselman
AgriNews Staff Writer
KEMPTVILLE – It’s now 2022 and that means the Eastern Ontario International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo is roughly nine months away.
With the site sign for the upcoming fall event erected in late 2021, the 2022 IPM has made its official debut with local dignitaries, as well as event organizers in attendance for the big reveal. This year’s event is set to take place in Kemptville in the United Counties of Leeds and Grenville.
A five-day celebration of all-things agriculture, the 2022 IPM is set to run from Sept. 20 to 24. In addition to the plowing match competitions, there will be a range of activities for all ages, including live entertainment, vendors, exhibitors, such as the small and large equipment display, educational opportunities, various competitions, and more.
Achieving an event like this, one that is expected to see roughly 80,000 visitors, requires a lot of planning and a lot of hands on-deck. There are a variety of opportunities for those who wish to get involved through volunteering, participating, or sponsoring. There are volunteer activities before, during, and after the event. To learn more about these opportunities, visit the event website (plowingmatch.org/ipm2022/).
The event’s new website was launched in October 2021. While it’s still a work in progress, with information being added regularly, there is an abundance of material, including photos from past years, for visitors to sift through. Currently, in addition to opportunities for volunteering and corporate sponsorship, website visitors will find information about upcoming competitions and challenges, including the Quilt Challenge that was recently launched.
As with years gone by, there are also plenty of opportunities to show support for the 2022 IPM through the purchase of one or more of the various souvenirs available, such as clothing, cookbooks, and more. A list of the available merchandise and how to purchase it can be found on the event website.
An IPM 2022 Poster Contest is set to be revealed soon as well, with a prize of roughly $1,500 to be won. To learn more about this year’s IPM and Rural Expo, visit the website (plowingmatch.org/ipm2022/), follow the organizing team’s updates via Facebook (facebook.com/IPM2022), or send an email (IPM2022Info@plowingmatch.org).
