IPM Country Living committee has a number of events planned for IPM

With the International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo only a little over a year away, numerous committees and volunteers are busy planning events and encouraging people to get involved.

One such person is Mary McCrimmon, chair of the IPM's Country Living committee. McCrimmon told The Review the committee has numerous categories and responsibilities including beautification, horticulture, quilting and artisans, to name only a few.

"There was a time when the country living portion was considered for ladies," she explained. "A lot has change and today, this category is open to everyone and anyone. Volunteers are most welcome to join in the planning of the displays and events in any of these sub-committees."

McCrimmon noted some committees are ready to launch events, such as the All About Autumn Photo Contest, being launched by the beautification committee.

"The goal is to get people to submit autumn photos showing the beautiful colours and harvesting in Prescott and Russell," she said. "We're encouraging people to be creative and imaginative. We're hoping to make a 2011 calendar out of the entries."

The contest is for amateur photographers only and the deadline for entries is October 15, 2010.

Photos can be submitted digitally or 5x7 prints can be sent to 2011 IPM, 925 Highway 17, P.O. Box 343, L'Orignal, Ontario, K0B1K0.

For more information on this event, please contact Helen MacLeod at 613-675-2069.

Additionally, McCrimmon pointed out, the beautification committee will also have a beautification contest open to any property owner in Prescott and Russell. There will be numerous categories such as business/commerce, community organization and rural property, to name only a few.

The deadline to enter this contest is July 1, 2011, so there's still plenty of time.

McCrimmon said the quilting committee is busy organizing the quilt block challenge.

She explained that four fabrics will be supplied to applicants upon receipt of their application and entry fee.

All four fabrics must appear in a recognizable form on the quilt block. Only one other colour of your choice may be added to complete the block. The block must measure 12.5 by 12.5 inches.

No fabric paints or photo transfers are permitted.

Once the blocks are completed, they will be fashioned into quilts and used as a fundraiser for the IPM.

Applications and entry fees should be received by November 15, 2010.

McCrimmon said quilt block kits can be ordered from Louise Myner or picked up at the Fabric Box in Vankleek Hill and at Heartworks Quilt Shop in Chute-à-Blondeau.

For more information, please contact Louise Myner at 613-674-2035.

"There's a lot of great stuff in the works and we're really excited about all of this," McCrimmon remarked. "We don't have that much time left before the actual IPM and time is flying by so quickly. Everyone is working hard to make this one of the best IPM's ever."