WHITEWATER REGION (Beachburg) — The 36th annual Renfrew County Plowing Match — Rural Family Festival — is Saturday, Sept. 16 from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the farm of Mel and Lynne Langton at 224 Sturgeon Mountain Road, near to where it intersects with Zion Line.
Children 12 and under get in for free while all others pay $10.
“It’s a day that’s fun for all ages,” said Penny Rochon, secretary of the Renfrew County Plowmen’s Association, which hosts this annual event. “There’s not just plowing. There’s entertainment for the youngest of the young to the oldest of the old.”
Not only is it an opportunity for the farmers to reminisce about past and current farming practices, it’s an opportunity for those who don’t farm to see what rural life is all about, she said.
There will be demonstrations throughout the day, along with tractor square dancing.
“Tractors are not just for dancing in the field,” Ms. Rochon said with a laugh.
Tractor square dancing shows are at 11:30 a.m. and 2:15 p.m.
The Algonquin College Lumberjacks will perform at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
The Renfrew Pipe and Drums Band will perform at 9:40 a.m. and then will lead the antique equipment parade beginning at 1:30 p.m.
There is also the KidsZone with an obstacle course and of course the large pile of sand with plenty of toys.
Mel Langton will be providing a tour of his grain elevator facility at 12:30 p.m.
The first 4H Rabbit Agility Show will be at 10 a.m. and the 4H Square Dancers will perform at 12:15 p.m.
The Fifth Street Band from Renfrew will perform on stage at 10:30 a.m. and 3 p.m.
There are more than 100 crafters, vendors and exhibitors.
The Beachburg Lions Club is hosting breakfast; and there will be several food vendors as well. The Renfrew County Plowmen’s Association is serving up a roast pork lunch.
“It’s a day not to be missed,” Ms. Rochon said.
