Why an Interview,,,

Over the years we have been able to meet and talk with some very interesting people. They have shared with us their knowledge and have provided us with a great deal of insight as to how and why festivals and events work and why they are so important to our communities and to the Province of Ontario. With this in mind, we decided that we wanted you to meet and hear from some of the wonderful people who work so hard to provide us all with such wonderful Ontario Festivals and Events! We are pleased and proud to present "THE INSIDE SCOOP"!

Tuesday, September 17, 2013

St. Lawrence Parks ~ “The jewel of the St. Lawrence Parks system” ~ 1000 Island Parkway

St. Lawrence Parks Commission ~ Brown's Bay
Ontario Visited ~ Judi McWilliams
enjoying day at Brown's Bay
St. Lawrence Parks 

During our travels this summer, it occurred to Gary & I that there is still so much to do, see, experience and enjoy throughout the St. Lawrence Parks. Part of the adventure is “getting there”. While travelling to Fort Henry in Kingston then on to Upper Canada Village in Morrisburg, we enjoyed the St. Lawrence Parks as we drove along the heart of the majestic Thousand Islands and at the foot of the towering Ivy Lea Suspension Bridge. This jewel of the St. Lawrence Parks system offers 150 campsites and four cabins set amid the granite and greenery of the Frontenac Arch Biosphere Reserve. It was so calm and relaxing we had a hard time continuing on, but excitement ahead spurred us on.
Brown's Bay Park ~ Part way along the 1000 Island Parkway, lies the Brown's Bay Park area. It's amazing that I had never noticed it before. I had passed it several times during our numerous journeys along the Parkway. Fortunately this trip we did notice it and ventured in for a look. We are glad that we did and have earmarked it as a place to visit again and to spend much more time there (with perhaps a picnic lunch!) 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!





Tuesday, September 10, 2013

International Plowing Match & Rural Expo ~ Volunteers ~ Key to 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, OPATHE INSIDE SCOOPcontinues …
VOLUNTEERS … The Key to Success! …..
For many festivals and events, it is critical to have volunteers! For the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo Volunteers are critical. I asked Ms. Govier is she could tell us about their volunteer program. I was not surprised to learn that Virginia herself is an IPM volunteer, as well as an OPA staff member. Virginia tells us that from 1,000 to 1,300+ volunteers dedicate their time to the IPM. There is great structure to what they offer. The IPM has volunteers sign up with commitment forms and tells us that the IPM has traditionally been lucky with the success rate of these folks pulling through. Ms. Govier says now they often have waiting lists for volunteers to come on board.
Ms. Virginia Govier says “Koodo’s to the local committees by talking it up early”. These folks seem to know the benefits of the IPM coming to their community brings. The IPM offers a training program for all volunteers. They break down into focus groups where you can volunteer in an area of interest to you. (Such as parking, ticket taking and so much more). The benefits to the volunteers come in recognition of varying levels. They have a fun after event BBQ, and if volunteers contribute over 6 hours, they receive a pass to the IPM for a day for free, some committees receive boxed lunch for long hours contributed and more. The IPM uses great identifiable vests during the event for the volunteers. She tells us that it helps to keep cool as they can “breath”, if warmer clothing is needed, and you can layer up and then put the vest on. (Don’t quote me here, but I’m sure the IPM team will be glad to enlighten you about their program).
The fact is the IPM does have a Volunteer Training Program and a Volunteer Recognition Program. Virginia says it is most important to remember to thanks the volunteers! Ms. Virginia Govier tells me that they are lucky as the volunteers from the robust rural community are amazing to work with. It’s the old “help out your neighbours” system. There doesn’t seem to be a needed “trade-off” as in major centers where some volunteers might “expect something in return”. The Rural community, Virginia says, is very giving, dedicated and generous with their time, efforts and contributions. I would have to say that through Ontario Visited experiences this year, I humbly agree, rural folks are amazing, hard working dedicated people. As Ontario Visited says, Festivals and Events are the core of our communities. Without these amazing volunteers our communities would not continue to thrive.
Come Celebrate with us at the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo this September 17-21, 2013 in Mitchell Ontario, Perth County. Check out the IPM website at (LINK).

Don’t forget your good walking shoes and some sunscreen!

Tuesday, September 3, 2013

International Plowing Match & Rural Expo ~ Keeping it Fresh!

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, OPATHE INSIDE SCOOPcontinues …
KEEPING IT FRESH …..

Even being a “Fresh New Event” each year, the International Plowing Match & Rural Expo  still needs to “keep things fresh” for participants and visitors. As Ontario Visited wrote in our article, the signage and map are key to assisting with the enjoyment of your day. Virginia tells us that this year one of many new features to enhance the IPM; Buskers will be wandering throughout the IPM along with additional benches and seating areas for visitors to rest. They do offer great amenities such at the ATM, a people mover, great parking and shuttle assistance. Ms. Govier says that you can reserve (at NO cost) scooters to assist if mobility is a challenge. Just be sure to Reserve ahead of time to not miss out. They are going to enhance the signage also to assist with getting around. I understand there will also be some great Souvenirs to purchase to commomorate the exciting 100th year! Don’t forget to purchase something special, who knows, maybe in 100 years from now these souvenirs will be “antique collectibles”. Check out the IPM website at (LINK). Stayed tuned for more “SCOOP”