IPM 2020: Community meeting Nov. 20 in Fenelon
Putting on the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) takes a community-wide effort and comes with community-wide benefits. With that in mind, organizers of IPM 2020 are moving the location of their next Community Meeting to a different location within Kawartha Lakes.
The meeting, intended to gather input from volunteers and provide details as the IPM takes shape, is set for Wednesday, November 20 at Fenelon Falls Community Centre (27 Veterans Way, Fenlon Falls), beginning at 7:30 p.m. Two previous Community Meetings were held at the Lindsay Exhibition Grounds, which will host Tented City.
“This is an event for all the people of Kawartha Lakes and beyond,” says Sheila Marshall, President of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, parent hosts of the IPM. “This is your opportunity to get to know others from your community, share your love of agriculture and help make IPM 2020 a great success.”
Approaching its 103rd event, IPM moves to a new community each year. It typically attracts about 80,000 visitors and results in an economic impact in the range of $25 million (based on tourism industry formulas). More than that, the IPM provides an opportunity to show the world all the great things Kawartha Lakes has to offer, fostering business relationships and tourist trips for years to come.
But there’s more … a portion of IPM profits will be donated to local groups/organizations (particularly to groups that volunteer their time at the event).
A grand celebration of this scale couldn’t happen without the involvement of hundreds of volunteers. People are needed to assist with virtually every aspect of this four-day celebration of agriculture and rural living. The IPM features plowing competitions, hundreds of exhibitors, live entertainment in multiple venues, displays/demonstrations and a whole lot more.
To learn how you can help make this event a success, attend a Community Meeting at Fenelon Falls Community Centre on Wednesday, November 20, beginning at 7:30 p.m. Members of the OPA Board of Directors will be on-hand to answer your questions and find the right way to make use of your skills.
In addition to learning about volunteer opportunities, the Community Meeting is your chance to pick up IPM 2020 souvenirs to kickstart your Christmas shopping.
IPM 2020 runs October 14 to 17 of next year at the Lindsay Exhibition Grounds and neighbouring farms. For more information, visit www.plowingmatch.org.
