After three years of planning, 2011 International Plowing Match is good to go

Champlain Township Mayor Gary Barton has spent the last three years of his life gearing up for the big day and he can't quite believe it's only two weeks away now.

Barton is serving as the Chair for the 2011 International Plowing Match and Farm Machinery Show (IPM), which will run from September 20 to 24 in Chute-a-Blondeau.

He, along with hundreds of volunteers, has spent the last three years of his life living and breathing all things IPM related and now that the event is just two weeks away, he finds himself breathing a little sigh of relief.

"You have to understand we started working on this even before we put in our bid to host," Barton explained. "It's taken a lot of hard work, volunteers, dedication and manpower to pull this off. I can honestly say, I am relieved that it's finally here."

Barton said minus a few finishing touches, volunteers and organizers are ready to open the doors on the massive event, which could welcome 80,000-plus visitors to the area and create a $10 million economic spin-off in the region.

"Obviously, we've still got work to do," he told The Review during an interview Tuesday morning. "Right now, we are working on the little things like getting bleachers set up and in the right place, getting our rest areas set up, etc. Most of the big ticket things are in place or just need a few tweaks here and there. It's so hard to believe we're just two weeks away. It's been an amazing ride."

When it comes to "big ticket things", Barton said the hydro infrastructure is in place on site and hydro crews are just working on "a few last minute things." The hydro infrastructure will power the entire IPM site, including the RV park, for the duration of the event.

The water system, which includes 10 kilometres of piping, is finished and Barton said the Eastern Ontario Health Unit (EOHU) will visit the site in the next few days to test the water and make sure it is safe to drink.

He noted the 40 sub-committees and chairs have everything in place and are just waiting for the big day to arrive.

"Minus a few small details, everything is basically good to go," Barton said. "We have more than 500 exhibitors coming and lots of really great entertaining like the Dancing Tractors, Dodge Rodeo, West Coast Lumberjack Show and countless others. Our committee chairs know what they're doing and they're ready to go."

Barton said momentum for the event, which will likely be the biggest event ever to hit Prescott-Russell, is building and noted he is happy to see so many people buzzing with excitement.

"People are really talking about it now," he commented. "I'm hearing from people every day saying how excited they are. People are talking about going to the event and bringing family and friends. It's really great to hear and it's pumping all of us up too."

Upcoming events prior to the opening of the match include the media day this Friday, September 9 and Volunteer Appreciation Day, which takes place Saturday, September 10.

Barton said both days are intended to give media and volunteers the "lay of the land" and ensure everyone knows the basics of the site and how the match will operate.

In terms of volunteers, Barton said there are 890 volunteers officially signed up and countless others working behind the scenes.

"None of this would be possible without the volunteers, that's for sure," he remarked. "Everyone has been so amazing. There have been numerous instances where we've had to call up a local business or individual with something we needed and the response has been amazing. People are willing to do whatever it takes to help and ensure this match is a huge success. The community spirit in this region is unmatched."

The RV park will begin welcoming visitors on Saturday, September 17. Barton said the park will accommodate some 1,800 RVs and may open earlier, if that is possible.

"We can't say for sure right now if we can open the RV park any earlier," he stated. "We have to wait and see what the results of the water testing are from the health unit. Once we know that, we'll see if we can open the park any earlier than that."

Barton had a lot of praise for the farmers who were so willing to give up their land for the event. He said host and East Hawkesbury Mayor Robert Kirby has been named the Mayor of Tented City.

"We wouldn't be having a match if the farmers hadn't agreed to give up their land for it," he commented. "They are making a huge sacrifice for this event. They get compensation, but it only works out to about $45 an acre, which doesn't go very far. People need to realize the farmers are giving up a lot to host this event."

All that is left to do now, Barton said is pray for good weather. Although he is excited about the event, he admitted he will be happy when it's all over.

"I can honestly say, I've loved every minute of it, but I'll be happy when it's all over and done with," he said. "There have been a lot of challenges and I've definitely learned a lot over the last three years. I've gone at this with a positive attitude and I know we're all in for a really great match. You have no idea how many questions I've answered about the IPM in three years. I will be glad when it's over."