Enhancing your home or garden with a touch of history can be a meaningful and practical way to celebrate community spirit and support local events. In recent years, commemorative benches have become a beloved tradition associated with the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) - this year being held in Bowling Green, Ontario, September 19 to September 23. These benches not only serve as a symbol of community support for the event but also provide comfort to IPM attendees.
The bench sponsorship program for IPM has grown into something special. It embodies the essence of strong community partnerships required to organize an event of such magnitude. Several local businesses generously donated the materials needed for the benches.
Craftsmanship played a pivotal role in bringing these benches to life. Several local high schools and a church congregation were actively involved in crafting these benches. The result? Exquisite spruce and pine wood benches, tailored specifically for this commemorative project.
During the IPM event, these benches will be strategically placed throughout the site to provide visitors with a comfortable spot to rest during their visit. Each bench features a plaque on the back, bearing the names of the generous sponsors who made them possible. Individuals, families, farm families, and businesses have all embraced this initiative, with some benches even carrying In Memoriam messages, paying tribute to loved ones.
What makes this program even more special is that after Match week concludes, sponsors have the opportunity to take their bench home as a cherished memento of the unforgettable week when Bowling Green welcomed crowds from near and far. The community's interest in the bench program has been remarkable, but as the Match's opening day approaches, a few of these beautiful benches, priced at $500 each, are still available for purchase.
If you're interested in owning an IPM bench and adding a piece of local history to your space, reach out to Sandy Brown at sandybrown1000@gmail.com. Bench pickup will be available after the event's closing at 5 pm on Saturday, September 23, and on Sunday, September 24.
Enhance your surroundings with a piece of history and support your community by bringing home one of these commemorative benches from the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.
Click here for more information about the International Plowing Match.