Warden Jim Ginn discusses Huron County’s attractions and what visitors can expect at the IPM
By Kate Ayers
Print and Online News Reporter
Huron County is excited to host this year’s International Plowing Match (IPM).
At the Media Day yesterday, Warden Jim Ginn discussed the upcoming 100th IPM and highlighted the Huron County Showcase.
“As people walk through, there will be various things to do, lots of (activities) for kids, giveaways and draws,” Ginn said to a packed house. “(It) will showcase some of the amenities we have here in Huron County.”
Two local tents are set up for the big event. One houses the exhibits from the nine regional municipalities, while the other tent will focus on the county more generally.
The Huron County Showcase tent will have administrative information and entertainment. This pavilion will also highlight the County’s numerous attractions. The Showcase promotes the county’s picturesque lakeshore and beach, renowned wineries and breweries, and extensive trail system. Hiking area trees will even be brought in to offer visitors a true taste of Huron County.
A unique feature of the tent is that its floor is made up of wooden boards harvested as part of the county’s required pine plantation thinning. This flooring exemplifies sustainable forestry, a practice valued by Huron County staff. The pine boards will make the tent fully accessible for everyone to enjoy.
“One of our primary goals with this Match and our County tent was to make it fully accessible,” Ginn explained. “We decided to lay down a complete lumber floor inside the expansive tent.”
The IPM and Rural Expo is North America’s largest outdoor ag celebration complete with local food, dancing tractors and how-to workshops – all in addition to the always-popular plowing competition.
The IPM will be held in Walton, Ontario from Sept. 19-23, 2017.