STAFF WRITER
BALDERSON — Politicians will be trading council chambers for wide open fields this weekend as the Lanark County Plowmen’s Association hosts its annual plowing match on Saturday, Aug. 16, at Beachgrove Farms in Balderson.
The event, hosted by Paul and Cory Thompson at 2960 Drummond Concession 7, will feature competition plowing, a vendors’ market, canteen lunch, silent auction, live music by Dave Brown and Friends, antiques, livestock displays, and agricultural demonstrations.
A highlight of the day is the “VIP class,” where politicians, media, and local dignitaries try their hand at plowing.
Drummond North Elmsley Reeve Steve Fournier has been rallying his Lanark County Council colleagues to take part, assuring them it’s “as easy as riding a bike” with “a 10-minute lesson prior.”
The good-natured challenge has drawn some spirited responses:
- John Matheson, Tay Valley Township deputy reeve, said, “I’ll be there ready to plow.”
- Rickey Minnelli, Mississippi Mills deputy mayor, replied, “I will harrow what you plow!”
- Tay Valley Township Deputy Reeve Fred Dobbie joked, “Fuel up the tractor, I’m in. There’s always a first time for everything.”
- Lanark County Warden and Carleton Place Mayor Toby Randell confirmed, “I’ll be there to plow and speak.”
- Drummond-North Elmsley Coun. Ray Scissons said, “I hope to attend and plow.”
The official opening ceremony is set for 12:30 p.m., with remarks from Randell and Fournier. The Township of Drummond North Elmsley and Lanark County have each donated $500 to support the event.
Admission is $5, and everyone is welcome to attend and support the local agricultural community.
For more information, contact the Lanark County Plowmen’s Association at 613-857-7644 or lanarkcountyplowmens@gmail.com.
