Up to 1,000 volunteers are needed to help out with next year’s International Plowing Match and Rural Expo in Brigden, says an organizer.

People interested in lending their time and talents for the Sept. 21 to 25, 2027 celebration of agriculture and rural life, are invited March 26 to learn more about what’s involved and how they can help, said Dennis Bryson, chairperson with the organizing committee.

The Lambton Heritage Museum, starting at 6:15 p.m. is offering a free tour of the museum’s agricultural hall, featuring information about the county’s plowing history.

Former international plowing matches (IPMs) in Lambton were held in 1923, 1973, and 1991.

The tour is followed by volunteer information with the local IPM committee, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., officials said in a news release.

Roles for volunteers include selling IPM merchandise, selecting and organizing entertainment, day-of help with parking and gates at the provincial championship plowing competition, and tear-down, Bryson said.

There are 59 committees that need volunteers, he said.

People can check out options and sign up at lambtonipm.ca.

Hopes are to get people to step up, Bryson said.

“I believe if you’re a good Lambton citizen and want to see this through, that will help us make it a wonderful success, you’ll be kind enough to step up,” he said, noting volunteering is also an opportunity to connect with others from the local area.

The committee also held volunteer recruitment drives in 2025 at Oakdale Hall in Florence, in Wyoming, and in Brigden, by the fairgrounds where the plowing match will be held, Bryson said.

“I hope people in Brigden will support us quite strongly,” he said.

Hopes are to hold other volunteer information nights this spring, he said, potentially in Sarnia and elsewhere in Lambton County.

“The important part is we, as a local committee, make sure we get you registered up and signed up on the list,” he said.

Hopes also are to get school boards involved in getting students to attend, and encouraging people to spread the word to friends, neighbours, family, “and even people you don’t care for,” to show up for the event, Bryson said.

“Because we’d like to have 100,000 plus people in attendance, paid through the gate.”

~Tyler Kula~
Sarnia Observer