The Rural Voice, 2005-09, Page 22SITE OF VIE
G00nebeAmazed INTEKNATIC?NAL
PLOWING
MATCH & RURAL
EXPOSITION
www.ipm2005.ca
Host farmer David Carson stands by the billboard marking the Listowel location of the 2005 International Plowing Match
(above, left). Above right. in August the mini corn maze is the most visible sign of the big event to come in September.
ON WITH THE SHOW
Committees of Perth Countg volunteers have been working for gears to make
IPM 2005 an exciting, entertaining and educational event. Now it's time to
see their planning in action
Story and photos by Janice Becker
Though the name denotes an undeniably agricultural
task. the International Plowing Match goes far and
beyond the turning of the soil by exhibiting the many
facets of rural life in Ontario.
Entertainment has always been a staple of the Rural
Expo, providing visitors with other avenues to explore
alongside the strictly farming aspects.
From the official opening to the closing ceremonies on
September 24, guests will have access to a wide variety of
artisanship at the 2005 edition of,the IPM, hosted by David
Carson and family in North Perth.
Prior to the match, on September 18, at 3 p.m., an
interdenominational church service will be held at the
Carson Building. The theme of the service will be
"Strengthening our Roots".
Guest speaker Neil Aitchison, director of development
of Brayton Entertainment, will speak to "The Power of
Laughter".
A mass choir, directed by Charmaine Stulp, will provide
musical interludes and several Perth County pastors will
contribute to the service.
With the opening ceremonies and kick-off parade on
September 20, the entertainment will begin in earnest.
"We have tried to focus on Perth County talent," says
Cheryl Coghlin who oversees the County Exhibits division
along with husband Brian.
The Perth County display, housed in the Municipal
Tent, will feature the "Stars of Perth", says Brian. "the
people who made Perth famous". '
"It will be set up like a. theatre with popcorn," he says.
18 THE RURAL VOICE
"There will be bios of the people playing continuously on a
big screen.
The video is being created by students of St. Michael
Catholic Secondary School in Stratford.
Some of the famous inhabitants highlighted will include
legends such as Cyclone Taylor from the 1940s and
founders of the Stratford Festival,, says Coglin.
Brian is also pleased with _the way the various
municipalities in the county have decided to showcase
themselves as part of the county display. Rather than
having numerous separate exhibits, they are working
together to present the municipalities as a group.
The Agriculture Tent will be filled with representations
from all the commodity and livestock groups as well as
displays depicting the winners in the beautification
competition.
Though not entertaining in the tradition way. Coghlin
says the county exhibit will have a wonderful display to
impress visitors.
"The biggest story is the landscaping, created by
Colonial Brick and Stone of Brunner," she says.
The company has designed a 15 -foot waterfall, which
will be constructed at their home site, disassembled and
moved to the IPM location east of Listowel.
There will be a 22 -tonne slab rock in front of the
waterfall, says Coghlin, on which people can stand for
pictures.
Located at the southeast corner of the match site, "it will
really stand out. It is very impressive," he says.
The entertainment in the county area will include a wide