The Rural Voice, 2003-09, Page 34The committee for Grey County's 2004 International Plowing Match will be
watching closely when this year's match is held in Lanark County this
September. After that match is over
The countdown begins
Grey County's turn to host the
International Plowing Match
doesn't come until September
2004 but already much work has
been done, and with the conclusion
of the 2003 IPM in Lanark County,
Gray will be next up with the
countdown beginning in earnest.
The theme of the 2004
International Plowing March is "The
Future of Tradition" and co-chair
Pearl Bumstead says it's sure to leave
a lasting legacy.
The 2004 Plowing Match will be
held in Grey County, west of
Meaford. on Grey Road 12. The host
farm for the tented city is owned by
by Sarah Mann
the Davison
family, the
same
property the
tented city
was held on
in 1987
when Grey
County last
hosted the
Match.
"We are located right next to a
woodlot in which we will be hosting
a woodlot tour and directly adjacent
to an apple orchard where there will
be an educational, hands-on tour of
the apple industry." said Bumstead.
Pearl and Brian
Bumstead
This apple orchard tour is a first for
the International Plowing Match,
which, Bumstead says, is "a perfect
fit for Grey County, apple country."
Another first is the combination of
the lounge tent and trailer park
entertainment tent.
"Lounge during the day and trailer
park entertainment during the
evenings with the tent located half
way between the tented city and
trailer park," Bumstead explained.
. With the match closing on a
Sunday, Bumstead said it is only
fitting to host the church service on
site the closing day. The lounge tent
will also be used for this function.
Environment plays big part at Lanark Rural Expo
Qn
September 17-21 of this year, Lanark County
will be throwing out the welcome mat to
thousands of visitors as it plays host to Rural Expo
2003, the Lanark County International Plowing Match
and Farm Machinery Show.
The Ontario Plowmen's Association has held the
International Plowing Match (IPM) annually since 1913.
This is the seventh time in the 90th year history of the
IPM that eastern Ontario has played host to the match
with this year's match taking place on more than 1,000
acres of land outside of Carleton Place.
Gord and Ann Munroe, co-chairs of Rural Expo 2003,
say the IPM is considered to be the biggest, most
exciting community celebration in Lanark County with
the slogan "From the land...comes the dream".
Environmental themes will be a big part of this year's
Rural Expo including the "Conservation Zone" tent.
Inside, visitors will be able to access over 40 agencies and
organizations. The theme for this year is "Conservation
— What's In It For Me", and will focus on understanding
the benefits of conservation. Staff from various agencies
and associations will be on hand to answer questions and
provide information about various landowner programs
and interests.
Located throughout the tent will be a variety of hands-
on displays and activities to show water conservation
techniques. Exhibits will show how the water cycle
works; the movement of water through different types of
soil particles; hazardous wastes and their effects on the
environment; how wells become contaminated; and a
ground water flow model. A central resting spot hosts a
thriving wetland and media tower, where you can learn
about the benefits of these ecosystems and the
organizations involved!
Various 20 -minute talks with hands-on displays and
exhibits will be presented daily in the Speakers' Tent
located inside the Conservation Zone! Topics are
repeated throughout the day and include:
• Wednesday and Saturday: "Reptile Rainforest",
featuring live animals and species at risk; "Secret Life of
the Forest Floor", insects and other interesting critters
living in the forest litter; and "Owls".
• Thursday: "Recreational Fishing", identification and
opportunities; "Wildlife — Biology and Behaviour of
Various Species", including deer, fisher, wild turkeys,
bear, and geese; and "Invasive Plants"
• Friday: "Butterflies", presented by the Canadian
Museum of Nature; "Forest Insects", and "Forest
Diseases". Bring in a sample from your woodlot for
identification!
• Sunday: "Nut Trees" — how to grow them; "Edible
Plants of the Forest"; "Wildlife — Biology and
Behaviour of Various Species", including deer, fisher,
wild turkeys, bear, and geese, and "Recreational Fishing"
— identification and opportunities.
A short wagon ride or walk takes visitors to the
managed woodlot. A walk on the Eco -trail follows the
steps taken in preparing the forest management plan for
this woodlot. You will see how the plan has been applied,
Continued on page 32
30 THE RURAL VOICE