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Verner welcomes the agricultural world to its doorstep

International Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2019 expected to attract an estimated 80,000 people over five days

The International Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2019 (IPM 2019) is officially underway in Verner.

Taking place from Sept. 17-21 in the small rural community about an hour east of Sudbury, the event is expected to draw close to 80,000 visitors over five days.

“The IPM is a tradition that dates back more than 100 years. It’s a fantastic celebration of agriculture and rural living,” said Sheila Marshall, president of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association, parent hosts of the IPM, in a news release. “It’s agriculture’s time to shine.”

The annual event features plowing matches, agricultural exhibits, a vendor showcase, entertainment and more.

Organizers said all 5,000 advanced tickets to the event sold out in the week leading up to the show. However, tickets will be available at the gate.

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During the opening day, highlights included a morning parade and opening ceremony, a pumpkin-launching competition, a VIP plowing match, featuring elected officials, a performance by the Canadian Cowgirl precision drill team, and a show presented by the West Coast Lumberjacks.

A full schedule of the five-day event is available here.

This marks only the second time in its history that the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo has been held in Northern Ontario. Earlton hosted the show in 2009.

The 2019 event is expected to generate in the area of $25 million in economic spinoff.