The Grenville County Plowmen’s Association is prepping the fields. Organizers are on site at the A.M. Barr Arena today getting ready for the 100th anniversary of the Plowing Match.
The event kicks off Friday, on the Kemptville College grounds, with the junior plowing match and Grenville 4-H achievement day.
Organizer Kate Maitland says there’s lots to see on Saturday as well, including horse plowing and antique tractor plowing. She explained there will be tillage demonstrations and a cultivator on display that was won at the 1933 match.
Honorary judge and director Melville McGuire, says there were more horses and less tractors when he first started. The 91-year-old Spencerville man noted his second oldest daughter was the first Queen of the Furrow for Grenville County and he’s been involved with the Plowing Match for almost 70 years. McGuire explained his dad competed back in the early 1920’s and again at the 75th anniversary Plowing Match, at the age of 96.
The public is welcome to attend. Admission is free, but donations will be accepted.
The awards banquet is set for Saturday night at the W.B. George Centre. The newly crowned Ontario Queen of the Furrow, Heidi Frey, is attending.
The Plowing Match runs from 9:00am to 3:00pm on Friday and 8:00am to 4:00pm on Saturday.