Yellow Marigolds. (Photo by © Can Stock Photo / kuarmungadd). Yellow Marigolds. (Photo by © Can Stock Photo / kuarmungadd).
Chatham

Theme Of 2018 IPM: 'Machines And Marigolds'

A local committee is encouraging green-thumbed residents to deck out their gardens in yellow marigolds this spring to celebrate the upcoming plowing match.

Linda Henderson is the chair of the Beautification Committee for 2018 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo, which will run in Pain Court from September 18 to 22, 2018.

She says most people think the committee looks at enhancing the actual site of the plowing match or the tent city--but it has nothing to do with that.

"It's primary job is to beautify all of the county, all the other communities within the municipality, as well as Chatham," says Henderson.

She says the committee's goal is to unite the municipality.

"We're doing that with a theme and the theme is 'Machines and Marigolds.' We have a flower, which is the yellow marigold,"says Henderson.

She asks residents to consider planting yellow marigolds this spring to show support for the community and the plowing match. Residents are encouraged to be as creative as they'd like.

"Maybe they've got farming equipment that's not being used that they can put in their yard, or even in the city we're looking to dress up their houses and their businesses using these flowers," she says.

The committee is also encouraging each community to design a focal point for their area. Henderson says this focal point can include International Plowing Match signage, marigolds, and anything else up to the imagination.

She says these decorations unify the municipality and celebrates the event, while showing visitors what Chatham-Kent has to offer.

"For Chatham-Kent to get this event, it's really quite an honour and they're expecting thousands of people to come," says Henderson. "What an opportunity to showcase what Chatham-Kent has to offer!"

Henderson says the Beautification Committee is relativity new and encourages volunteers to join. She says the best part about the committee is that its duties stop when the plowing match begins.

For residents who don't necessarily have a green-thumb but still want to sport IPM swag, a storefront will soon open in Chatham. IPM Co-chair Leon Leclair says the store is located on Richmond St. and is set to open sometime next week. Store hours will soon be available on their Facebook Page.

[gallery columns="2" size="medium" ids="1881477,1881478"]

Read More Local Stories