BOWLING GREEN – Described as the largest event of its kind in North America, the 2023 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo has arrived in Dufferin County.
This year the event is being held in Bowling Green, Ontario which is just a 25 min drive from Centre Wellington.
The IPM is headed into its 104th year and is put on collaboratively by the Ontario Plowmen’s Association and a local committee.
Officials say the five-day celebration of agriculture and rural living attracts on average 80,000+ people from across Canada and the United States. That’s including 8,000 to 12,000 students.
The plowing match and rural expo “aims to teach about agricultural practice and allow students a closer look at farming in its many forms.”
The event is so big, the provincial legislature traditionally shuts down so MPP’s can attend opening day.
Premier Doug Ford was in attendance for the opening parade and ceremonies.
photo by Austin Cardinell (Ontario PC Leader and Premier Doug Ford attends IPM Opening Parade and Ceremony)
Meanwhile, organizers say the tourism industry figures put the economic impact of the IPM at $25 million annually.
“More than that, profits generated by the IPM are donated to groups and organizations in the host communities”. according to IPM.
The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo runs Tuesday, September 19th to Saturday, September 23rd.
More information can be found at www.plowingmatch.org
