In the pouring rain, on September 19th, four of us with rural roots arrived at the 100th International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in the tiny village of Walton. Sisters Teresa, Kathy and I along with friend Helene were excited to meet Teresa’s brother Jack Ryan. Jack with his family hosted the five-day event held on his farm which had been Teresa’s childhood home. Wearing his chain of office, Mayor Ryan reigned over the tented city and the neighbouring 800 acres. The oldest to the latest information and developments in agriculture and agri-food industry were showcased. Over 500 exhibitors displayed the latest in technology, business and innovation. No wonder we were excited!
Smiles greeted us as we boarded one of the many large tractor-driven shuttle wagons from our pasture parking lot to the welcome tent and entered a world of everything agricultural. Bygone steel tired tractors and threshing machines now long replaced, sat beside huge digital and diesel machinery of every sort. Horses waited in their stalls, soon to be freed to demonstrate how ploughing used to be done.
The opening ceremonies held in the huge Mutual Square tent, featured local, provincial and federal politicians of every stripe. They emphasized what they had done for rural Ontario and how they planned to assist with educational, agricultural and lifestyle issues, to name a few. As the rain beat down on the canvas roof and threatened to slow the day’s events, a local speaker pointed out to the assembled politicians that this was a perfect example of how rural livelihood is subject to vagaries of the weather. Loud applause ensued. Point taken.
As we slipped and slid on the muddy “streets”, activities and entertainment on eight stages attempted to continue. The aroma from large food tents beckoned us. Exhibitors showed their wares. Nowhere did we see disgruntled faces. Smiles of welcome were everywhere among the crowd. The day’s representatives of the 1,500 volunteers cheerfully carried out their roles. Huron County hospitality reigned supreme.
At the end of the day, as we climbed aboard another bright red wagon that took us back to the parking area, we agreed that we had thoroughly enjoyed our historic day in the rain. See you next year in Pain Court, Chatham-Kent!
Jean Moylan, CSJ