IPM organizers asking farmers to lend financial support

Organizers of the 2011 International Plowing Match (IPM) and Rural Expo are asking farmers to step forward to become ambassadors of the land and support what is likely to be the area's largest coming attraction.

The IPM is set to take place next September in Chute-à-Blondeau and, according to co-ordinator Bruno Lecot, plans are really starting to come together.

"We are gaining momentum and really motivating ourselves now," he told The Review during an interview last Wednesday. "With every day, week and month that passes, we get closer to the event. It seems like it's a long way away, but it's not. It's really just right around the corner."

For those who don't quite know what the IPM is all about, the event is organized annually by the Ontario Plowmen Association (OPA). It offers the host area an opportunity to showcase its rich agricultural heritage as well as its cultural, recreational and artistic charms.

The big push right now, Lecot said, is getting farmers involved in supporting and donating to the match.

"The IPM is about celebrating the rich agricultural traditions we have in this area, traditions that are strong and continue today," Lecot explained. "We need the farmers to step up and support us in every way, including financially. We want them to be ambassadors of the land and get behind this tremendous event to ensure its success."

Lecot and organizers are currently circulating a letter to farmers, asking for their support. The letter encourages farmers to become partners in the IPM.

"One of our main goals during this event is to promote farming and demonstrate our agricultural pride," Lecot stated.

He said farmers are being asked to donate at the grassroots level, which represents a donation of $500 or less. Those who make a donation will have their names engraved on a beautiful wooden bench, chair or picnic table, all of which have been graciously furnished by Groupe Convex in Casselman.

"At the end of the match, the benches, chairs and picnic tables will be auctioned off and the money raised will be donated back into the IPM fund," Lecot explained. "The money will then be distributed back to the community."

In addition to seeking financial support from potential partners, Lecot said the IPM has secured several hundred volunteers and is always looking for more. The 52 sub-committees are busy planning and bringing things together and the IPM now has more than 20 new promotional items available for purchase including hats, t-shirts, golf balls, yo-yos, pins, pens and dog tags, to name only a few.

He said cookbooks are "selling like crazy" and so far, more than 3,000 have been sold.

"Things are coming together very well at this point," Lecot remarked. "We still have a lot of work to do, but we're really moving forward. Everyone is excited; momentum is really starting to build. Our big goal now is to motivate people to make financial contributions toward the match because we can't do it without their support."

For more information or to make a donation, please contact Lecot at 613-675-2929 or e-mail blecot@prescott-russell.on.ca.