International Plowing Match & Rural Expo ~ Maximizing your Efforts ~ Synergy

Ontario Visited interview withVirginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA  

Ontario Plowmen’s Association Parent Host of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo this September 17-21, 2013 in Mitchell Ontario, Perth County … interview with Ms. Virginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA …“THE INSIDE SCOOP” continues …

MAXIMIZING YOUR EFFORTS …. SYNERGY …..

The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo stays “fresh” and exciting both for participants and visitors alike. It continues to be interesting as a new event and it makes it easier for folks to embrace.

I wondered about how the IPM coming into a community with conflicting dates would impact the other events being held at the same time. Virginia Govier was enthusiastic to share with us that the OPA and IPM are proud to work closely with the other events. They try to create a good synergy amongst the groups to maximize everyone’s efforts. To explain more, planning for the IPM takes place 3 years in advance of the event. Bids are sent out by the Local Plowing Branches to Bid for the opportunity to host the IPM. The nucleolus of the Board springs from that and committees are formed. The great contribution from the OPA is that it brings along qualified staff and shares the efforts of the accounting, marketing, and sponsorship committees. They offer great guidance and strategies. Virginia tells me there are manuals that detail items that cover all kinds of questions, from budgets, to security detail, to what to and what not to do.

The biggest challenge Ms. Govier states, is not the “moving around”, but the new management structure. There are always some growing pains; people have pre-conceived ideas, new concepts. But, Virginia says, the synergy that can be created can go a long way for both groups, from the development framework the OPA has in place. Specifically, an example of the framework is the sponsorship program. There are set levels for sponsorship dollars obtained, in the signage the sponsor would receive to the number of gate tickets for the event. From major sponsorship to smaller, there are strategies in place to “not block out” anyone and give fare value for fare contributions. They have tools in place to help guide the organizers to juggle even the marketing structure.  Check out the IPM website at (LINK). Stayed tuned for more “SCOOP” …

International Plowing Match & Rural Expo ~ Impact in your Community ~ Importance in our Society Today

Ontario Visited interview with
Virginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA

Ontario Plowmen’s Association Parent Host of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo this September 17-21, 2013 in Mitchell Ontario, Perth County … interview with Ms. Virginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA …“THE INSIDE SCOOP” continues …

IMPACT in your COMMUNITY     ….. IMPORTANCE of the IPM in our Society Today! …..

I asked Ms. Govier, just how important is the “International Plowing Match & Rural Expo” and how does it impact your community today? Otherwise stated … Why do you think International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is an important part of our society and the community today and what role do you see as its importance? With enthusiasm Virginia shares … Besides contributing to their Mandate, as discussed above, the IPM helps generate $500,000 - $1 Million dollars in Revenues. The OPA and the Local IPM committee split the profits, and, that money is donated directly back, into the community, and into the ongoing pursuits of the OPA association. There are 48 local Plowing Matches held in communities each year with the culmination of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo held each year in different communities across Ontario each year.

I asked Virginia Govier what challenges occurred with moving the location each year and how they overcame same. I was surprised by her response. Virginia believes that many festivals and events and fairs can get “burn out”. The “fairs” and local long time associations are being “squeezed” by new festivals, music and sports events included. All sorts of not-for-profit organizations are trying to get the space, location, visitors, sponsorships, donations, etc.

The big advantage for the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is what they contribute to a community. They bring in the revenues as discussed above. Ms. Govier also tells us that studies show 10-15 million in added to the local the economic benefits through jobs, purchases made in hotels, restaurants, shops, and more. Check out the IPM website at (LINK). Stayed tuned for more “SCOOP” …

The @ PerfectWknds Travel Report Web Series ~ Interview with Jason & Joanne

Jason & Joanne Read Over Script

Ontario Visited ~ Judi & Gary McWilliams
The @ PerfectWknds Travel Report Web Series
Jason & Joanne

The INSIDE SCOOP of THE SCOOP… Jason and Joanne, hosts of Kawarthas Northumberland land of 1000 perfect weekends, The @ PerfectWknds Travel Report Web Series is a MUST SEE! If a picture says a thousand words, these short, fun, comedic web clips will enlighten both your hearts and your minds. If you didn’t know what potential adventures lay ahead in the Kawarthas Northumberland Region, you will soon. The Kawarthas Northumberland Region invites you to “Join hosts Jason & Joanne, as they set out on a 13-week, wild, wacky and always wonderful tour of the region’s best: birding, boating, butter tarts, beer culture and many other things that may not begin with the letter B.  Watch @PerfectWknds Travel Report every Tuesday on CHEX TV during the 5 o’clock Show, and right here on demand every Monday. The fun begins now!” I invite you to stay tuned to THE INSIDE SCOOP, where we had the fun of interviewing Jason and Joanne behind the scenes at the Peterborough Musicfest, and learn the real SCOOP about their adventures and so much more. In the meantime, check out @PerfectWknds Travel Report and the Kawarthas Northumberland Region website at (http://kawarthasnorthumberland.ca/)

“Weather can bring out the best in people!” The Kawarthas Northumberland Region is a great place to explore and visit... The Festival Nomad and I are experienced “event goers” … we of all people should have been prepared for the wet weather. Sometimes we get so excited to “get going” we ourselves forget the essentials.  During a recent visit to the Peterborough Musicfest, the “rains” came down just before the concert, but broke away just in time. The “seats”, however, were soaked. I was so surprised by the generosity of the people in the crowds who shared their towels for us to dry our seats. The rains didn’t stop the avid fans of the Rolling Stones Cover group “Hot Rocks”. Don’t miss out on the rest of the Peterborough Musicfest Season, check their website out at (www.ptbomusicfest.ca). 

International Plowing Match & Rural Expo ~ RV Park, your way to fun at the IPM

Ontario Visited interview with Virginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA

Ontario Plowmen’s Association Parent Host of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo this September 17-21, 2013 in Mitchell Ontario, Perth County … interview with Ms. Virginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA …“THE INSIDE SCOOP” continues …

RV PARK …your way to fun at the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo

Virginia tells us that the RV Park for 2013 is already ¾ booked. As a matter of fact, Virginia told me that many of the visitors have attended the IPM for the last 20 years, travelling to each RV Park. The Brochures for 2014 will be available at this year September Expo and many book right then and there for the next year. Rumour has it that 2014 will take place in Ivy, just outside of Barrie and 2015 in Finch, Stormont County, and Ottawa way.

From the IPM website we learn … “Tented City will be located at the corner of Perth Line 36 and Perth Road 160 on Nulandia Farms at the northeast edge of Mitchell, Ontario for five amazing days September 17 - 21, 2013 when the country's largest outdoor show comes to Perth County. Help us celebrate our rural past and experience the excitement of emerging opportunities for agriculture and for our communities. Plowing competitions for all ages including a Queen of the Furrow Competition will be held.

There will be something for everyone at the IPM: 900 acres of exhibits and activities, the giant tented city with more than 500 exhibitors and vendors; antiques, education, and country lifestyle displays; including entertainment for all ages. There will be a 1500 site RV park across the road from the Tented City. Opportunities to see the latest in farm machinery and new technologies, environmental exhibits, will keep visitors busy. The Plowing competitions are also a highlight for visitors. You will be able to purchase souvenirs marking the 100th anniversary of the International Plowing Match. Check out the IPM website at (LINK). Stayed tuned for more “SCOOP” …

The NEW Fort Henry Experience

Don't Miss Out 

Sunset Ceremony Mascot

St. Lawrence Parks Commission
Director of Corporate Marketing & Development
Bryan Mercer & Ontario Visited Gary McWilliams

The NEW Fort Henry Experience ~ Ontario Visited was fortunate to travel back to Fort Henry to meet the St. Lawrence Parks Commission's Director of Corporate Marketing & Development, Bryan Mercer. We were at the Fort to learn more about the great changes that had been made. This was our first experience of Fort Henry’s new “TRADE SQUARE”. All the artisans "displaying" in the Trade Square were extremely talented and were quite willing to share their knowledge and experiences with us. Of course, we needed sustenance, and we were serenaded by Tourism of Kingston’s Rob Carnegie, Director of Tourism Marketing & Development while we enjoyed a delicious BBQ on the patio at the Fort. As quoted by Bryan Mercer … “Put Fort Henry on your plate… 200 seat patio with a million dollar view”. After a fabulous diner, we were treated new "SUNSET CEREMONY". I must say that the new version is quite spectacular! There is still time to enjoy the amazing Sunset Ceremony at Fort Henry in Kingston … it is definitely a “must see”! You will be completely amazed by the 3D video wall projection during the “drills” of the soldiers. It really takes your breath away, moves your heart and soul.

Battle of Crysler's Farm ~ we had stayed overnight in Brockville and travelled the next morning to Morrisburg and Upper Canada Village. It was time for the Battle of Crysler's Farm! Our visit to Upper Canada Village and The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was outstanding! We were surprised to discover their new “Discovery Centre”. It is interactive, informative, and fun! It is so unique and we feel all that “kids” young and old will really enjoy! The battle re-enactment was amazing! Hundreds of re-enactors portrayed what happened at one of the many skirmishes that place of the farm between the British and Canadians and the Americans. This year's re-enactment included one of the Tall Ships. More about the battle, with photos, will be posted soon. To discover more about the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, please check out their website at http://www.parks.on.ca/index.cfm/en/home. Enjoy your travels!

Upper Canada Village ~ August Must See’s ~ “Food Lovers Field Day” & “Horse Lovers Weekend”

In the Dark ~ Discovery Centre ~ Upper Canada Village

Interactive ~ Discovery Centre ~ Upper Canada Village

Upper Canada Village ~ August Must See’s ~ “Food Lovers Field Day” & “Horse Lovers Weekend”

Our visit to Upper Canada Village and The Battle of Crysler’s Farm was outstanding! We were surprised to discover their “Discovery Centre”. It is interactive, informative, and fun! It is so unique and we feel all “kids” young and old will really enjoy! Don’t forget to join in at Upper Canada Village for their “Food Lovers Field Day” weekend August 17-18. “Food lovers will have a “field day” sampling and shopping in an outdoor farmers’ market, all located in the fairground field found in the heart of Upper Canada Village!  Also at the end of August is Upper Canada Village “Horse Lovers Weekend”, August 31 – September 31. Enjoy the many heavy horses and light driving horses which are being showcased by their owners throughout the weekend.  Marvel at the traditional horse-related skills demonstrated by Village staff and the ingenious ways horses were used in the 19^th century”. Stay tuned for articles, photos and interviews to come with the St. Lawrence Parks Commission. Don’t forget to enjoy the journey to these wonderful destinations! To discover more about the St. Lawrence Parks Commission, please check out their website at http://www.parks.on.ca/index.cfm/en/home. Enjoy your travels!

International Plowing Match & Rural Expos ~ 100 Years of Success

Ontario Visited interview with
Virginia Govier,  Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA

Ontario Plowmen’s Association Parent Host of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo this September 17-21, 2013 in Mitchell Ontario, Perth County … interview with Ms. Virginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA

100 years of Success!

Ontario Visited is pleased to share my exciting interview with Ms. Virginia Govier, Marketing Co-ordinator of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, OPA for the “THE INSIDE SCOOP” about the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo.

For those of you who have never had the pleasure of visiting the yearly International Plowing Match & Rural Expo, Ontario Visited has two great articles posted on our website from previous visits. These articles will walk you through our journey and give you some insight as to what you might expect to experience yourself. (Please see LINK to view articles). The Ontario Plowmen’s Association Parent Host of the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo this September 17-21, 2013 in Mitchell Ontario, Perth County. Check out the IPM website at (LINK).

From the OPA’s great website we learn …“The OPA is the parent host of the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM). Each year the OPA partners with a local plowing association to organize and host the IPM. The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo is a sanctioned member of the North American Farm Show Council. As such, it maintains the highest standards set by the council.

The organization of a provincial Association in 1911 gave life to branches all across the province.  The numbers grew until today we have 48 local plowing groups affiliated with the parent body: the Ontario Plowmen's Association (OPA). The OPA has a board of directors, representing Branch Associations, with membership varying in size from Branch to Branch. Each local association holds a yearly local plowing match.”

Virginia Govier tells us that part of the OPA Mandate includes creating and raising awareness and understanding of agriculture. One way OPA does this is through hosting the annual International Plowing Match & Rural Expo. This event encompasses the historical aspect of the Plowing through the generations, as well as providing a platform to present the newest innovations and technology to the visitors to the Expo. Their goal is also to educate the community, both for Rural and Urban visitors alike. The demographics of the Expo stay quite consistent with about 60% retired and Rural visitors, although they do try to attract Urban visitors. The OPA and IPM participants have a platform where their sense of pride resonates as they exemplify their knowledge and experiences. As a visitor, the Expo gives you an opportunity to learn what you would not necessarily know, an “eye opener” as Ontario Visited experienced. As the Expo is held during the week visitors often come for a family experience on the Saturday. Check out the IPM website at (LINK). Stayed tuned for more “SCOOP” …