by CONNIE TABBERT
Editor
COBDEN — There is plenty of activity on RobDot Farms at 191 Snake River Road (just outside Cobden), because that’s where this year’s Renfrew County Plowing Match, also known as Rural Family Exposition, takes place this Saturday from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Beginning yesterday, volunteers began working on the front acreage of the farm in preparation of Saturday’s event.
Janet and Stephen Edwards are the fourth generation of the Edwards family working this 45 tie-stall dairy operation with their three teenaged children – Colin, Kelsey and Carson. They purchased the farm in 2005 from his parents Dorothy and Robert.
It all began with Frank Edwards in 1891, which means this family farm is celebrating its 125th year this year, Stephen said. As far as the couple know, this is the first time the family has hosted the plowing match.
When asked how they were the chosen farm this year, Janet quipped, “Penny asked us. She’s been hinting every year we should host it.” (Penny Rochon is secretary of the Renfrew County Plowmen’s Association, which organizes this yearly event.)
Stephen added, “Field wise, it worked out for us this year.”
There are two front fields, of about 47 acres, that can be used. He noted the fourth-cut of hay was taken off to make the grounds easier to walk on, he said.
Like many farms in the area, this started as a mixed animal farm, which included horses, milk cows and pigs, Stephen said. In the late 1960s, it turned into a dairy operation. Currently, all members of the family work on the farm, including Stephen’s dad Robert and the children, when not going to Opeongo High School or working their off-farm part-time jobs.
As volunteers for previous plowing matches hosted by the Renfrew County Plowmen’s Association, the Edwards’ knew what they were getting into. But, they believe it’s an important event, not just for the farmers, but for those who eat.
“City people are becoming more interested in where their food is coming from,” Janet said.
This event is a great opportunity for many farmers to show their plowing prowess on the field. There are also celebrities invited to test their plowing abilities.
Members of the 4-H Plow Team will also demonstrate their plowing abilities, which they have been practising at club meetings, and many at their own farms.
But, an important aspect of this event is it provides an opportunity for those who don’t farm to check out the many vendors and talk with farmers and check out a variety of local entertainment and food.
There’s plenty of fun and crafts for children in the KidsZone, which goes all day.
The opening ceremony is held at 10 a.m. on the main stage.
Local entertainers on stage throughout the day include Ralph Selle and Douglas Connection, Renfrew Pipes and Drums (in front of the stage) and John Doddridge and the Townliners.
The Dog Agility Show, organized by Crickets Canine Country Club, located near Beachburg, will take place at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. The Rabbit Agility Show, hosted by the 4-H Rabbit Club, is at 10 a.m., noon and 2 p.m.
Spring Action, which are trampoline gymnasts, will perform from 12:45 to 1:30 p.m. in the KidsZone.
At 1 p.m., tillage demonstrations by the Soil and Crop Association will begin.
There will be the traditional antique tractor and vehicle parade starting at 1:30, and it will travel throughout the tent city.
There will also be threshing and bailing demonstrations throughout the day.
A number of local farm machinery distributors will be displaying both modern and antique machinery. The big machines are always an attraction for kids to limb up and sit in the cabs.
There are food vendors, as well as producer vendors, such as maple syrup and other homemade goodies, as well as craft vendors.
The event is at 191 Snake River Road, just east of Cobden Road outside Cobden. Gates open at 8 a.m. Children 12 and under get in for free, everyone else is $7.50.
