Hundreds of volunteers set up tent displays, raked mulch into place for pathways and put up signage for the International Plowing Match 2018.
After Monday's finishing touches, the site is ready for the 80,000 expected visitors.
Visitors are officially allowed onto the grounds at 8:30 a.m. and the week of events kicks off with a parade at 10:30 a.m.
Ontario Premiere Doug Ford is expected to be a part of the parade and will address attendees at the opening ceremonies at noon. Ford will also participate in the VIP plowing activities this afternoon.
Tented City sprang from the farm fields over the last two weeks to house vendors, exhibitors and community partners. The entire site of the IPM 2018 is 850 acres and includes Tented City, the RV Park and the plowing sites.
Many tents are dedicated to educational purposes, including the Union Gas tent where people can walk the process of how natural gas gets into your home.
“We’re excited because it’s the premier agricultural event in Canada,” said Andrea Stass, the spokesperson for Union Gas on site. “When people think of natural gas, they don’t think about it in terms of agriculture. But when you think about it we are part of the fabric of the industry.”
Other educational activities include displays of the 70 crops grown in Chatham-Kent, robotics activities and a reading program.
Natural gas is used to heat greenhouses and power farm machinery.
The IPM 2018 and sponsors have been sharing their excitement for the event on social media.
We’re ready for the #ckont #IPM2018! Going to be an eventful week. #ontag #ckag #wegrowfortheworld pic.twitter.com/IOoOmXkoaD
— Country Farm Seeds (@CFSeeds) September 17, 2018
From the air, IPM 2018 in Pain Court, Chatham-Kent, is a beautiful sight! #ckont #WeGrow4theWorld #IPM2018 #IPM #plowing #YQG pic.twitter.com/bYIWiuPb9H
— 2018 Int'l Plowing Match & Rural Expo Chatham-Kent (@IPM2018) September 17, 2018
Getting our tent ready for #IPM2018 Chatham-Kent! Come see us September 18-22 & learn about what Conservation Authorities do to protect our #GreatLakes & how you can become a Great Lakes Guardian! #LoveYourGreats pic.twitter.com/kJ2BRKJjdW
— St Clair Region CA (@SCRCA_water) September 11, 2018
Even the municipality of Chatham-Kent is calling on people to “detour” to Pain Court.
The #IPM2018 starts tomorrow in #CKont! Detour to Pain Court to experience rural life at its finest, https://t.co/ZhXkU9kHne pic.twitter.com/9gcqBAA3VC
— Chatham-Kent Tourism (@VisitCK) September 17, 2018
The plowing match events run until September 22 at 7579 Pain Court Line.
