CK sign at the International Plowing Match site in Chatham-Kent. September 18, 2018. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)CK sign at the International Plowing Match site in Chatham-Kent. September 18, 2018. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)
Chatham

International Plowing Match opens in Chatham-Kent (GALLERY)

Day one of the International Plowing Match has wrapped in Chatham-Kent.

The opening day parade kicked things off at 10:30 a.m., a couple of hours after the gates officially opened to visitors for the day. That parade included appearances by Premier Doug Ford and Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath.

One of the other draws for the day included the opening ceremony.

Event co-chair Leon LeClair took that opportunity to share a simple message with the early attendees.

"Enjoy, enjoy, enjoy, and if you need any help, yank on a volunteer's shirt," said LeClair. "We are a welcoming community -- if you see someone on the road with their four-ways and they look lost, don't beep the horn at them, stop and help them find their way here."

Premier Doug Ford and Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath both spoke at the opening ceremonies and also both competed in a plowing match of their own. A World Records attempt for the most people participating in an egg and spoon race was unsuccessful.

Ontario Premier Doug Ford (left) and Official Opposition leader Andrea Horwath (middle right) take part in the Opening Day Parade at the International Plowing Match in Pain Court. September 18, 2018. (Photos by Angelica Haggert) Ontario Premier Doug Ford (left) and Official Opposition leader Andrea Horwath (middle right) take part in the Opening Day Parade at the International Plowing Match in Pain Court. September 18, 2018. (Photos by Angelica Haggert)

Ontario Premier Doug Ford participates in the VIP plowing match against Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)Ontario Premier Doug Ford participates in the VIP plowing match against Opposition Leader Andrea Horwath. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

Andy is participant number 365 in the world record attempt for most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert). Andy is participant number 365 in the world record attempt for most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert).

An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)An attempt was made to break the world record for the most people in an egg & spoon race. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

A small handful of protesters came from Toronto to protest Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Their sign reads ``Don`t plow our charter.`` (Photo by Angelica Haggert)A small handful of protesters came from Toronto to protest Ontario Premier Doug Ford. Their sign reads ``Don`t plow our charter.`` (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

Tobe Cobe was the mascot for the 1979 IPM when it was held in the region. He was recreated for IPM 2018. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)Tobe Cobe was the mascot for the 1979 IPM when it was held in the region. He was recreated for IPM 2018. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

Co-chairs Darrin Caniff and Leon LeClair with Tobe Cobe at IPM 2018 opening day. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)Co-chairs Darrin Caniff and Leon LeClair with Tobe Cobe at IPM 2018 opening day. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

The Culligan Man was the designated water provider for the IPM 2018. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)The Culligan Man was the designated water provider for the IPM 2018. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

The IPM 2018 parade featured floats from many sponsors, vendors and city officials. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)The IPM 2018 parade featured floats from many sponsors, vendors and city officials. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

The IPM 2018 parade featured floats from many sponsors, vendors and city officials. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)The IPM 2018 parade featured floats from many sponsors, vendors and city officials. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

The IPM 2018 parade featured floats from many sponsors, vendors and city officials. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)The IPM 2018 parade featured floats from many sponsors, vendors and city officials. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

The IPM 2018 parade featured floats from many sponsors, vendors and city officials. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)The IPM 2018 parade featured floats from many sponsors, vendors and city officials. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

Naturefresh, a Leamington greenhouse company, was part of the educational display with their mobile greenhouse. (Photo by Angelica Haggert). Naturefresh, a Leamington greenhouse company, was part of the educational display with their mobile greenhouse. (Photo by Angelica Haggert).



There were activities for both adults and children at IPM 2018, including a giant corn cob pile to climb on. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)There were activities for both adults and children at IPM 2018, including a giant corn cob pile to climb on. (Photo by Angelica Haggert)

Blackburn reporter Angelica Haggert was on site with live Twitter updates all day.

 

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