HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Rural Voice, 2000-09, Page 32'� WELCOME TO
*NTED CITY
An International Plowing Match brings
100,000 people or more to a community
which can help boost the economy of local
communities such as Elora (below), host of
this year's match in Wellington.
lora i
E
s a small picturesque'
town located on the banks of
the Grand River, 20 minutes
north of Guelph. Just outside of town
the 2000 Plowing Match will be held
in the end of September. As one soon
finds out, by stopping passers by on
the main street in Elora, it is a town
that heavily relies on tourism. If the
attendance is anything like last year's
plowing match of 100,000 the town
28 THE RURAL VOICE
COUNTING THE
DOLLARS
An International Plowing Match brings 100,000
people or more to an area and pumps more
than $ 1 million into the local economy, but not
everyone benefits
By Mark Nonkes
could see an incredible influx in
people.
This year's plowing match chair
George Robinson expects as many or
more people will attend the plowing
match as last year. Elora resident
Sheila smith is excited by the
increase of tourists that the plowing
match will bring. "This will get Elora
back on the map," Smith said
excitedly.
For Elora merchants more tourists
could mean more dollars spent in
their stores. "We hope more
customers are coming through Elora
and looking at what it has to offer,"
one main street retailer said. Most
local bed and breakfast and hotels are
filled for the match. Over 60 private
homes have opened their doors to the
match's visitors. Accommodations
chair Ruth Darrington explained why