2019 International Plowing Match & Rural Expo

Come visit the Northeastern Ontario Pavilion at the 2019 IPM to learn all about the region and take in lots of fun activities and displays!

By Jay Lemon Staff writer at Northeastern Ontario Tourism

April 12, 2023

The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo is touching down this year in Verner, Ontario, and Northeastern Ontario could not be more excited to play host to visitors from all over, who will be flooding the grounds from Tuesday, September 17 through Saturday, September 21.

This event is expected to draw a massive crowd, which could reach an estimated 80,000 people based on the central location of the event in West Nipissing, right between two major cities in the North. Being under an hour drive from both Sudbury and North Bay it makes for an easy day trip for families from either cities and surrounding areas who are looking for something fun and unique to take in.

The first ever International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) was created in 1913 by the Ontario Plowmen's Association, and since then this agricultural festival has been building each and every year working to promote tourism, agriculture, and economic development. The IPM is a huge undertaking for Verner, a small agricultural in the Municipality of West Nipissing, Ontario; everyone has worked extremely hard and is excited to see what the final product will look like.

This year, over 800 acres of fields will be home to the IPM, which will have multiple sections including a Tented City, Competition Plowing Fields, an RV Park, and lots of space for free parking. There are so many great activities this year, and we are sure that everyone in your family will find something to enjoy! Some highlights this year will be the live music performances, rodeo, hundreds of food vendors, and the always impressive plowing competitions! You can download the full event schedule here.

Rodeo at the 2018 IPM

Northeastern Ontario Pavilion

Northeastern Ontario Tourism is proud to sponsor an area in Tented City, which is going by the name of the Northeastern Ontario Pavilion. Here you can visit some regional partners and find out more about Northeastern Ontario and the many great attractions that we offer. You will not want to miss out on checking out this area which is filled with games, displays, and multiple contests offering great prizes for products and events close to you.

This space will be occupied by a group of different organizations, who will all be eager to answer any questions you have about their attractions and provide lots of useful information and materials for you! This will be a great introduction to the region if people are not familiar with it, and a great starting point to planning your next trip!

Along with Northeastern Ontario Tourism we will be on site with:

Pavilion Highlights

The partners listed above are bringing different things to the table, all of which are crucial in truly showing off how fantastic Northeastern Ontario is. The theme of this section of Tented City is "Experience Northeastern Ontario." As you will see below, the activities offered will certainly provide a great taste of Northeastern Ontario!

Here are some of the main highlights from our pavilion!

Take in an interactive fishing simulator
Experience a snowmobile and ATV virtual reality
Locally made sauna and ice shack on display
Try your hand at panning for gold
Mini-boat races
Outdoor camping display
Voyageur cycling route display
Various contests and prizes including kayaks/canoe, camping gear, a fire pit, and much more!

Also, in our area, we will be hosting a happy hour which will feature locally sourced foods and beverages. While you are enjoying your local drink, you will be able to take in some great performances by theatre groups, artists, musicians, and more!

We hope to see lots of visitors at the Northeastern Ontario Pavilion this year at the IPM! This event is crucial to telling the story of how important agriculture is to Northern Ontario, and we couldn't be prouder!

More Adventures in The Seven—Northeastern Ontario!

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About Jay Lemon

Jay is a digital marketer, content creator and proud Sudburian. He loves everything that Northeastern Ontario has to offer and tries to spend as much time as possible outside. Hunting, fishing, mountain biking, golfing, and trying new restaurants are some of his favourite things to do.