A handcrafted wooden bench is set to become part of the lasting legacy of the 2026 Bruce County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, marking the fourth time the event has been held in the county.
The commemorative benches were created as part of the official memorabilia lineup, and they are being designed and built by students from Sacred Heart High School under the guidance of shop teacher Dave Metcalfe. Each piece will feature a personalized tag highlighting its owner and celebrating the 50th anniversary of the inaugural Bruce County Plowing Match in 1976. The benches are meant to serve visitors during the event and to remain meaningful keepsakes for decades.
“The bench is a wonderful way to acknowledge your support of agriculture and our way of rural life," said IPM Chair Gord Lang. "They are a great item that you can keep long after the IPM has been staged, and also is a great gift to acknowledge someone in your life who has been in the farming world, your grandpa or grandma, mom or dad, or a business could buy and designate to someone who they would like to acknowledge, an employee, a business partner or supplier. They are just a great way to show your appreciation, and they are practical too!”
“I would like to acknowledge the students in the shop program at SHHS and teacher Dave Metcalfe, for their time and efforts to manufacture and build these timeless treasures," added Bench Chairperson Joel Pletch. " We are taking orders currently and will have the benches available in time for the IPM & Rural Expo to be held September 22-26, 2026, just outside of Brockton."
Anyone interested in purchasing a bench can call Joel at 519-881-3480, view one at Walkerton Home Hardware or email benchsponsorship2026IPM@gmail.com.
With the holiday season underway, organizers pointed out that the bench makes a meaningful gift and noted that several other souvenirs are available as gifts or stocking stuffers. Items can be viewed on the event’s Facebook page: Bruce County International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, or through the Ontario Plowmen’s Association website.
The committee reported that sponsorship efforts are well underway and volunteer support continues to grow. Lang added that they are eager to welcome additional financial partners and community helpers.
Anyone wishing to assist can email sponsorship2026ipm@gmail.com for funding inquiries, volunteers2026ipm@gmail.com to get involved, or contact the committee through the general address at brucecountyipm@gmail.com.
“Planning and progress continue, and remember to block September 22-26, 2026, to attend IPM and Rural Living Expo right here in beautiful Bruce County,” said Lang.
