The Ontario Plowmen's Association and the local Bruce County committee have been given a financial leg up from the provincial government as they prepare to host this fall's International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.
The annual five-day celebration of everything agricultural will be held just west of Walkerton September 22 through 26. The event is returning to Bruce County for the first time in nearly 20 years.
On Thursday, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson announced $125,000 through the 2026 Experience Ontario program is being given to help support the plowing match.
"Bruce County is hosting this internationally recognized event for the first time since Teeswater welcomed visitors in 2008, and it is a tremendous honour," said Thompson. "[The investment ] will help attract visitors from near and far, strengthen our local economy and also celebrate the dedication of our agricultural community, whose commitment to excellence, innovation and land stewardship continues to help shape the future of rural Ontario."
The event, which will include traditional competitive plowing, hundreds of exhibitors, educational programming, and entertainment, is expected to draw thousands of people.
According to the province, it will also provide a boost to the local economy through visits to local businesses and restaurants, and hotel stays.
