Bruce County residents whose gardens and properties are shining this spring are encouraged to enter the 2026 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) Beautification Contest.
Local organizers are encouraging residents, farmers and business owners to enter, as registration for the contest will be open until June 1.
"We know Bruce County is full of pride, creativity and hard work—and this contest is a fun way to showcase all of that," said IPM 2026 Local Committee Chair Gord Lang in a release. "Whether you go big or keep it simple, it all adds up to something special when visitors arrive. Let’s make Bruce County look its absolute best!"
The contest is sponsored by Sprucedale Agromart. Contest Categories include: urban or rural home, century farm, garden, business, farmstead, barn quilt and Spirit of the Match for decor of the 2026 IPM.
The fee to register in the contest is $100. The entry fee includes two tickets to the Awards Banquet on August 19, where first, second, and third place prizes will be presented in each category.
"The Awards Banquet will be one of the highlights of the summer—just a month before the IPM kicks off," said Jen Legge, Beautification Committee Chair with the IPM 2026 Local Committee. "It will be a great night out with good food, great company and plenty to celebrate. Your entry truly pays for itself."
To learn more about the contest, visit the IPM website.
The 2026 IPM will be held just outside of Walkerton from September 22 to 26.
