Promotion vehicles for the 2018 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) are ready to hit the road.
The official IPM vehicles were unveiled at the Victory Ford Lincoln dealership in Chatham, Wednesday evening.
Local businesses have stepped forward as major sponsors for the 2018 IPM, to help boost tourism for the event.
"This is a great example of the community coming together," says co-chair and Councillor Darrin Canniff. "They've all stepped up to the plate -- it's amazing!"
One of the vehicles, a coach bus, was donated by Badder Bus Lines.
Co-chairs and major sponsors of the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2018. Wednesday April 19, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
Doug Badder, co-owner of the bus company, says they stepped up as a sponsor to support the community.
"We've been part of the community since the business started in the 1950s," says Badder. "It's a great opportunity for us to showcase our business and also to showcase the community that we live in."
He adds the bus will promote the 2018 IPM along Hwy. 401 for the next year or so.
Making the rounds in Chatham-Kent will be a Ford F150, donated by Victory Ford Lincoln.
The vehicle has been donated for promotional use for the next two years. General manger Adam Lally says they wanted to support local farmers, who happen to be many of their customers.
The unveiling of the bus, truck and trailer for the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2018 took place Wednesday April 19, 2017. (Photo by Natalia Vega)
"I think being a part of the community is really important and a big part of our community -- specifically Chatham-Kent is the agriculture industry," he says. "So this is a pretty unique opportunity to get involved with a really big event."
In addition to the vehicles, Leon and Colette Leclair have donated a souvenir trailer.
Co-chair and Councillor Leon Leclair says he is humbled by all the support the businesses and people of Chatham-Kent have given.
"We're very fortunate," he says.
About 100,000 people are expected to attend the 2018 IPM in Pain Court.
Here are the vehicles promoting the @IPM2018 #ck pic.twitter.com/wqq7XJog8d
— Natalia Vega (@NataliaV_News) April 19, 2017
