KEMPTVILLE — Organizers of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) are preparing for this fall’s event at the former Kemptville College campus farm are still looking for an army of volunteers.
Organizers told Farmers Forum that they still had to fill about 600 of 1,200 volunteer positions for the Sept. 20-24 IPM, which is expected to draw 75,000 visitors.
They are looking for farmers and their tractors and wagons to offer visitor transportation from the parking area. They are also looking for help with the horse- and tractor-plowing competitions, tented city operations, setting up the entertainment and lifestyle and quilting displays and help with marketing: handling phone calls, press releases, social media, and reaching out to sponsors. They also need help with souvenir sales, educational displays and information booths. Others may find their niche directing traffic, selling tickets at the admission gate, assisting with health and safety operations, or the kick-off parade.
Volunteer opportunities aren’t limited to the actual event dates, either. There’s much work to be done in advance and after the show (teardown and garbage pickup).
To volunteer head online to: plowingmatch.org/ipm2022/get-involved/become-a-volunteer and hit the “Apply Now” button to fill out the form.
The 2022 IPM is the event’s first time back in Eastern Ontario since 2015 in Finch. This year also marks the return of the annual tradition after a two-year pandemic pause. The Ontario Plowmens’ Association founded the event 110 years ago.
