For the second year in a row, the directors of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) have been forced to make the heart-wrenching decision to cancel the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM).
Although the event had been postponed until October 2021, plans were well underway to hold the IPM at the Exhibition Grounds and neighbouring farms in Lindsay, Ontario.
In a press release the OPA noted that in spite of the current decline in the number of Covid-19 cases, the Ontario Government has yet to provide large provincial events with the details concerning capacity limits and additional restrictions. The release said these uncertainties make it impossible to proceed with an in-person event.
“The health and safety of our visitors, exhibitors, sponsors, competitors, volunteers and staff has always been our number one priority,” said Sheila Marshall, President of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association. “While we fully support the health restrictions required to conquer the Covid-19 pandemic, the unknown stipulations for large events has made it impossible to proceed with the traditional in-person IPM”.
Marshall added that directors and staff with the Plowmen’s Association are currently developing events and options in order to bring the IPM experience to its many dedicated and faithful volunteers, participants and visitors later in the year. Once government regulations for large gatherings are made available, the Ontario Plowmen’s Association will be making further announcements.
The Board of Directors has confirmed that the 103rd International Plowing Match will be held in the Municipality of North Grenville (United Counties of Leeds-Grenville) at Kemptville, Ontario. Scheduled for September 20–24th, 2022, the IPM will be centered around the former Kemptville Agricultural College Campus and the former Kemptville Agricultural College Farm.
Plans are also progressing for IPM 2023, which will be held in Dufferin County. The IPM will return to Kawartha Lakes (Lindsay) in 2024.
