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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Huron Expositor, 1998-03-18, Page 31The host Becker family is kept • from page 14 sign welcoming visitors to the site of the International Plowing Match. Representatives of the Ontario Plowmen's Association (which over- sees matches) and the Huron IPM committee plus dignitaries will con- duct the dedication, says Thiel. The dedication formally marks the beginning of earnest promotion of the 1999 event. Planning by most committees has advanced to the point where many entertainment acts are booked and space in the trailer park and dis- play areas are being offered. A draft site map was published in January and revised several times since. Hundreds of volun- teers from all corners of Huron County have already logged countless hours. Host family kept busy Even the Becker family has been heavily involved since they won the hosting opportunity over five other farms three years ago. (Other bidders were locat- ed in Stephen Township, Brussels, McKillop Township, Port Albert and another in Hay Township.) One year earlier, Earl Becker heard the Huron Plowmen's Association was interested in hosting the 199) IPrvl because it will celebrate its 7.5th annivcrsar that same •year. So with Thiels help. Becker submitted a pro- posal to the late Frances Hicknell. a member. of the site search committee. Becker was confident his farm met most criteria. Having attended several International P.Iowing Matches over the years, he realized each event seemed to be near an. urban centre and in close proximity to municipal services and major road arteries. "It's fairly level land. A lot of the land is tile drained," he added. But the Becker farm wasn't large enough to hold the event so his neighbors were soon invit- ed to offer their land. "We optioned nearly 3,000 acres and we'll use about 1,400," said Thiel. The extra land is there for extra parking and plowing sites in case the IPM is hit with several days of rain. The Becker farm is the centrepiece of the IPM site with approximately two- thirds on the south side of the main farmhouse and one-third on the north. The tented city will be located Hosting the IPM ► ices iong-tem wirer from Rockers directly behind his house and barn along a sideroad to be renamed Becker Sunset Boulevard for the match. Hosting the IPM has required long-term com- CHECI OUT THE MERCAit W«8ER• We're your one stop tack shop ... •Stable Bandages •Shanks •Liniments. •Saddles ... And More •Supplements •Blankets •Brushes •Bridles JUST ARRIVED! •New Bits •Pads "Lines •Ropes •Barrel Racing Equipment •Team Penning Equipment •Leather Belts & Buckles CUSTOM SADDLE WORK AVAILABLE We're proud suppliers of... ®Purina. ©f ostetfeeds Formerly Howson & Howson Ltd. • Garden Centre • Feed • Farm Supplies • Tack Shop • Water Garden Supplies 185 Josephine St., Wingham (519) 357-2700 mitment and a change in farming for the Beckers. The plowing match requires solid. undisturbed land. "We're going to hay foi the first time in 28 years." said Earl. a cash crop farmer, adding he will still plant some beans and wheat. - Thiel said the Beckers have opened their home to IPM meetings and their fields to site tours. "They've let the com- mittees come and drive stakes in their land," he said. "Not a week goes by when someone's not here," added Becker. The Beckers are natu- rally excited about being involved with the Farm Progress '98 - Page 15 busy International Plowing Match. The family has collected souvenir cowboy hats from the 1966 IPM near Seaforth and a pin from the 1978 match near Wingham but these arti- facts won't compare to the stories they'll be able to tell about being hosts. "There's going to be something out of this that we'll always remember," said Earl. "It's the pride of having it." As a kind of trial run, the Becker family is also • see 'Huron', page 16 CIH7120MFD 20.8" x 38" New Radials. 3 Valves. $6ch 900 Radar. Low Hr.. I owner: CIH722OMFD 18.4" x 42" Firestone Radials. 3 Valves. Loaded. Axle. Duals Available. 200 Hr 'Demo Unit" Pre -Owned Low Hour Magnums, Plus 6 Month Power Train 'Warranty Sales.- Service -Parte Hrs: Mon. -Fri. 8A201- 5:30PM Set, SAM - 1:00 PM 11 f. `5 ''i 151,45100,7993 CASE N!