After some confusion and local debate earlier this summer, the Ontario Plowmen’s Association (OPA) has officially secured a new location for the 2027 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo.
The event will take place on a family farm located just east of Petrolia, from September 21 to 25, 2027.
The OPA mentioned that the Petrolia Line property, owned by Clayton and Linda Mc Lauchlin and their family, offers the ideal open space, easy access, and ample operational footprint required for an event of this magnitude.
Executive Director Cathy Lasby shared with Sarnia News Today that they’re very excited to move forward.
“We know that Lambton County can put on a phenomenal event, you certainly have in the past and 2027 will be no exception,” Lasby said. “[The] Mc Lauchlin family have been wonderful to work with. They’ve provided up to 500 acres of land in one block. All things point to a great event.”
Lasby noted that the site meets all their electrical needs.
“Hydro One has been a phenomenal partner with us for many years,” she said. “They have checked the site, they have checked the hydro capacity, and it’s all systems go.”
With just over a year until the event, Lasby mentioned that the next step will be assembling a leadership team.
“We’re thrilled with the response we’ve received from some of the people that were involved previously, and they still want to be involved and we’re thrilled about that,” Lasby said. “So we’ll be putting that together. We’re inviting a bunch of them to come to this year’s match in Walkerton to get a first hand view of their committees that they’re going to be involved in. So we’re going to pivot pretty quickly.”
Lasby stated that notices have been sent out to all volunteers they had contact information for from previous recruitment efforts, and responses have been positive.
Second Vice-President Glen Early echoed OPA’s commitment to hosting an excellent event in Lambton County.
“This site gives us the foundation to move ahead,” Early said. “We are now inviting the community, agricultural organizations, businesses, and volunteers to join us in building something truly special.”
The first Lambton match took place at historic Goodison Farm in Sarnia Township back in 1923 on land now linked with Lambton College campus.
The OPA stated it showcased the county’s ability to unite agriculture, innovation, community leadership, and visitors from across Ontario.
This tradition continued with matches held in 1973 and 1991. The OPA noted next year’s event will pay tribute to those who hosted earlier matches while creating a fresh chapter for agriculture in Lambton.
The OPA announced on July 9-just under a week after Lambton Plowman’s Association withdrew its offer-to host this significant event-that it would indeed take place within Lambton County.
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