Rural living.
It is a term that is very familiar to the residents of West Nipissing and is one of the many items on the agenda that the International Plowing Match looks to highlight.
“Plowing is an important part of the event, but over the course of the years the event has evolved into a celebration of rural living,” Jean Beauchemin, the Chair of Marketing for the IPM stated.
“There is a movement within urban centres to shop local, to buy things at the farm gate level. You’re going to buy honey, you’re going to go right to the honey farm. People who live in rural areas like West Nipissing have done this for years.”
Of course, with the event being held in Northern Ontario, and just for the second time in its 102 year run, there will be a northern twist.
“There is going to be a large regional tent,” Jean added.
“The regional tent is to celebrate Northern Ontario, what is involved, what can you do here? There is going to be all sorts of local exhibitors in there including a fishing simulator. There will be a lumberjack competition hosted on-site and helps represent our community.”
“There is something for everybody including education,” said Neil Fox, who sits on the IPM board of directors. “Not just for the students but for all of us to learn how important agriculture is to our day to day lifestyle.”
The IPM runs September 17-21.
