International
Plowing Matches
in Perth County
Perth County has hosted the International
Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Demonstration three
times. In 2005, it was once again be held in Perth County.
1930
The first time the match was held in Perth County was October 14-17,
1930 when the event was held along the St. Marys Highway, seven miles
west of the
city. On the first day of the four day event, Perth County Day was held
which allowed Perth County residents to compete for their own Plowmen’s
Association title. The rest of the week was open to the visitors who
came from all over Ontario and even Michigan. The weather cooperated
with the program organizers and not only was it hot, but the land was
also dry, which made it difficult for some of the plowing activities.
Local newspapers reported that the benefit of the IPM was not only practicing
the plowing methods but also the chance to network with other farmers and
discuss issues of concern. It was also noted that farmers and their sons
were taking
an interest in the good plowing methods demonstrated at this event. Margaret
Ferguson, the 16-year old daughter of Albert Ferguson of St. Pauls, was the
first girl to participate in a provincial plowing match.
By the fourth
day, the attendance record previously set in London in 1928 was surpassed
with a total of 100,000 visitors.
1972
Unlike the 1930 event, 1972’s IPM occurred in wet weather. It
was so bad that vehicles were stuck in the mud and a contingent of volunteers
had
to push
them out. Eventually gravel and sand were laid on the problem areas allowing
for traction.
The Rt. Honourable John F. Diefenbaker opened the International Plowing
Match on September 26, 1972, calling it the “greatest outdoor exhibition in Canada”.
Other dignitaries included retiring Perth Wilmot M. P., The Hon. J. Waldo
Monteith and W. A. Stewart, the Ontario Minister of Agriculture and Food.
The four day event was hosted by O. C. Zehr and Son Farm which was
located west of Sebringville. Many people commented on the layout of “tent city”.
This is the name given to the tented area which houses the many exhibitions
and activities at the IPM. Audio speakers were set up and music played
for the entertainment
of the visitors. Scores from the Russia and Canada hockey game were also
broadcast over this system.
Special events included a lawyers’ plowing competition with twelve contestants,
a challenge match between the services clubs of the county and a competition
with radio and television personalities. The exhibitions outnumbered previous
IPM’s and again the attendance was expected to break a new record. The
Festival Theatre held a special performance of “As You Like It” on
the Wednesday night of the plowing match for anyone interested in attending.
Grey County’s Queen of the Furrow, Linda Shouldice, won the coveted
title as provincial Queen of the Furrow for 1972-1973 as well as a new
car.
1988
The 75th annual International Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show
or the largest outdoor show in Canada, was held from September 20-24,
1988
at the
farm of Augustin
Walch in Downie Township. It was hoped that 120,000 people would attend
but by the end of the event a record 170,000 people attended the IPM
in Perth
beating
the 1978 record of 134,000 set in Huron County. Eight-hundred acres of
land were used for the plowing match. These included 100 acres for exhibits,
40
acres for
displays, 300 acres for plowing, 300 acres for parking and 35 acres for
a trailer park. The site had three miles of service roads and water lines.
The event was opened by Eugene Whalen, former Minister of Agriculture,
and the theme for the IPM was Shakespeare. Other dignitaries included
Ontario
Premiere
David Peterson.
One of the many highlights was Stratford native, Elizabeth Baird, who
was the food editor of Canadian Living. She did a presentation on “Treasured Dishes
of Perth County”. Arts and crafts, a quilt competition and antiques
were also featured attractions for many of the visitors.
There were thirty-two contestants for the Provincial Queen of the Furrow
title which was won by Jill Patterson from Ottawa-Carleton.
City of Stratford buses helped to reduce traffic by having regular
shuttle service to and from the plowing match.
|
