The Rural Voice, 2005-07, Page 46AgriTech
Be amazed in Perth Count?'
Janice
Becker is a
computer
enthusiast
and
journalist
living near
Walton, ON.
As I write this, the 2005 version of
the International Plowing Match is
more than three months away, but last
year's research into pre -match
planning has gotten me interested
early.
The folks in Perth County have
been working on preparations for
months and in some cases years,
having unveiled the theme, "Come Be
Amazed", last summer on the Carson
Farm just east of Listowel.
Once again, the September issue
of The Rural Voice will be filled with
stories and pictures of just what is
involved in creating such a wonderful
exposition. As a preview, I thought I
would give you a glimpse of what is
to come this fall.
The IPM web site can be hooked
into through the parent host, the
Ontario Plowmen's Association, at
www.ipm2005:ca. It is also available
at www.ipm2005. ocg.
The OPA site lists its own event
information, future IPM locations and
vital material for anyone planning to
exhibit and attend this year's expo.
Through the IPM link, surfers are
led to a bevy of information. News
releases of events to date are listed,
including the crowning of the 2005
Queen of the Furrow, the official
poster unveiling in February and the
launch of the website last October.
Just for fun, there is also a video
clip of news coverage by CKCO in
Kitchener, as the IPM 2005 website
was launched. As usual, the dial-up
internet service made this a slow
process, but it eventually carne
through.
Under the Events connection,
visitors are able to print off the
schedule of events confirmed so far.
Though the IPM runs from Sept.
20-24, the quilt showcase will be held
in August, with the winners exhibited
at the expo. The gala banquet for the
home, farm and business beaut-
ification contest entrants will also be
held early, with the winners
announced August 23.
The registry of musical talent for
the match is outstanding, with
internationally -known Canadian
country artist George Fox performing
on closing day, as well as bluegrass
and gospel groups earlier in the week
and local entertainers completing the
bill for the five-day event. The
committee is still looking for
entertainers and an entry form is
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available on-line.
Volunteers are also still sought and
it is a great way to get involved in the
community. With over 1,200
participating at the Meaford event in
2004, there is always lots of work to
be done.
A section geared to prospective
exhibitors outlines the requirements
for county representatives and a
contact name for displays in the
various areas to fill the 800 -acre
tented city, is listed.
Education is a huge component of
every IPM and the 2005 version has a
great listing of events, which connect
to the curriculum — everything from
science and business studies to
specifics for each grade level.
The little tidbits of historical facts
and trivia add to the fun of this great
website.
For those planning a weeklong
stay, reservation forms for one of the
1,400 serviced or 200 un -serviced
campsites are available on-line. If
camping out is not for you, numerous
more luxurious Perth County options
are linked to the site.
Advance tickets have been
available since April and with several
outlets listed, it is time to stop by one
of the vendors in Perth County and
arrange for your visit.
Contact me at jlbecker@wight-
man.ca with feedback or topic
suggestions.0
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