 2008, the year of the Bruce County International Plowing Match
(IPM), was welcomed at a sold out New Year's Eve Gala held in the
Formosa Community Centre. The 300 people enjoyed the "special event"
organized by the Gala Gang made up of members of five IPM
Committees. Members of Tented City, RV Park, Souvenir, Queen of the
Furrow, and the Lifestyles Committees were joined by Jim and
Marianne Batte, Paul Kuntz, and Susie Oberle to become the New
Year's Eve Committee. In addition, more that 40 people arrived to
help with meal preparation, desserts, decorating, and setting
tables.Pictured above: Jacquie Borho
The special attractions for the evening included a "Walk
Down Memory Lane" that featured quilts, Queen of the Furrow
memorabilia, plows, antiques, and other aspects that reminded people
of past plowing matches. During the social time before the meal,
background music was provided by the piano stylings of Jacquie Borho.
The meal began with Mary Eadie-Wiley introducing the 2008 IPM
wines produced by 20 Bees Wine, a co-operative made up of 19 grape
growing families and a chief wine maker. 20 Bees Wine created a
special home grown wine for the 2008 IPM; the full bodied red is a
2006 Merlot and the crisp white is a 2006 Chardonnay. Both wines are
available in area LCBO stores.
 Following an excellent meal, Graham Craig, Vice-president of the
Ontario Plowmen's Association, and Jack Riley, Chair of the 2008
Bruce County IPM, unveiled a prototype of the 2008 official poster.
Fran Farrell and Shirley Kuntz, Co-chairs of the Family
Lifestyles Committee, announced the Quilt Block Challenge Winners.
First place was awarded to Shirley Grubb of Walkerton/Hanover;
second place, to Ann Walden of Barrie; third place went to Joan Wand
of Point Clark; and honourable mention went to Judy Williams of
Tiverton.
Pictured above: Jim and Carol Armstrong
An IPM song, music and lyrics, was introduced and sung by the
composer Jacquie Borho. The chorus begins "Come on home to the
country" and concludes with "Oh Bruce County, at last, I am here."
Each verse details an activity or sight from Bruce County. It didn't
take long for everyone to join Jacquie in the chorus. Words were
provided on the program at each place.
The Kung Fu Lawyers of Walkerton furnished the music for the
dance that followed the dinner. Between 11:30 and midnight, two
special draws took place. The Souvenir Committee has12 completely
unique collectible trucks that will be used as raffle prizes. New
Year's Eve was the first raffle. The unique collectible was won by
Jennifer Batte of Belmore and Wayne & Wendy McKague, the host
farmers, drew the winning ticket. In addition, one of the Antique
Committee's collectible tractor seats was raffled and won by
Brent Leifso.
As the count down to 2008 commenced, hats, noise makers, and
balloons were passed out. At exactly midnight, the noise level in
the hall rose and the words Happy New Year echoed. Count down for
the 2008 Bruce County IPM has begun and 1 Jan marks 259 days to
opening day. |
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