On behalf of Council, I would like to extend a warm welcome to those visiting the Municipality of North Grenville for the 2022 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) , and would urge all of our local residents to take in this extraordinary event.
We are so thrilled to be the host community for the IPM and wish to thank the local organizing committee who ‑ alongside hundreds of volunteers ‑ have made this event a reality.
As you likely know, the IPM has become North America’s largest outdoor agricultural and rural expo since its inception over 100 years ago. Partly located on the historic grounds of the Kemptville Campus, now owned by the Municipality, there are 630 acres of woodlands, crop lands, green houses, sugar bush, as well as local businesses and schools. For over 100 years, Kemptville College delivered leading edge agricultural and related training in this very location.
This said, most of the plowing competitions are being graciously hosted at Rideauside Farms owned by Charles and Rosemary Bennett, the host family for the IPM.
The IPM is an unprecedented opportunity to celebrate the vital role farmers and agriculture play in our daily lives. Agricultural practices are changing all the time, and it’s crucial that we show future generations where our food comes from and the sophistication of many farm operations today.
At the same time, the Match is no longer just for farming enthusiasts. It draws people of all ages and from all walks of life. Key entertainers include:
- the Canadian Armed Forces Skyhawks Parachute Team,
- the Dodge Ram Rodeo and the Canadian Cowgirls Precision Drill Team, and
- nationally celebrated musicians daily on the mainstage ‑ all located in the IPM’s exhibition grounds on Kemptville Campus.
The exhibition area will be jam packed with so much to see and do! The Municipality of North Grenville and the United Counties of Leeds & Grenville will be on site with exciting community showcases featuring games for kids, firefighter displays, local food vendors, artist installations, and much more.
There will also be rest and phone charging areas, picnic tables, and a water bottle refilling station at the North Grenville showcase.
A brilliant blend of urban and rural charm, the Municipality of North Grenville is comprised of the Town of Kemptville and several rural hamlets including Oxford Mills, Oxford Station, Bishop’s Mills, Burritt’s Rapids, Heckston, and Peltons Corners.
This is the largest event that this area has seen in its 230 plus history. It isn’t every day we attract 80,000 people to our municipality which will showcase our wonderful community, including its deep agricultural roots. We hope you have an unforgettable experience at the Match!
