Square-dancing tractors are highlight of 100th International Plowing Match

The 100th International Plowing Match got off to a soggy start, but it was hot and sunny by the final day.

Held near Walton, in Huron County, the event opened Tuesday (Sept. 19) but torrential rain swamped the place, forcing officials to close it Wednesday. The tented city reopened to sunshine and hot temperatures Thursday which held right through to Saturday.

While there were plenty of displays, presentations and activities to see, there was also some top-notch entertainment to enjoy.

The highlight of the week was watching Team Farmall, the square-dancing tractors of Teeswater, as they performed every day, with extra shows Thursday to Saturday to make up for the cancellation Wednesday.



Team Farmall performs at the International Plowing Match

Friday, Tammy Fischer, 2011 Ontario Queen of the Furrow, and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson, both of Teeswater, were doing the calling as they put the drivers and tractors through their paces. It was a thrill to watch the tractors dip and dive, pass through, swing with their partners, and then see all eight tractors line up at the end to do a giant pinwheel.

This is the 10th year for Team Farmall, said Thompson, adding that the drivers actually learned to square-dance on land before getting on the tractors.

In honour of the 100th International Plowing Match, Team Farmall and McGavin's Farm Equipment restored a blue Farmall tractor which was part of the show. It was to be auctioned off Saturday, with part of the proceeds going to charity.



Team Farmall performs at the International Plowing Match

Also at the match, were the Szoke Extreme Motorcycle Show, featuring Jordan Szoke, his wife, Amy, and five-year-old son, Wolf, doing some amazing stunts on their bikes and motorbikes; the Ontario Queen of the Furrow pageant; singers, dancers and even The Swiss Yodelling Choir.

Plus, the actual plowing competitions, which saw Ripley's own Noah and Curtis Lotton compete, placing 15th and ninth, respectively. They also showed their sheep at the 4-H show, and they and their brother, Jake, went for a helicopter ride.