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!

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, OPA …“THE INSIDE SCOOP” continues …

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!

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, OPA …“THE INSIDE SCOOP” continues …

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 100^th 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” …

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” …