Olds College in Olds, Alta., is hosting the prestigious 60th annual World Plowing Championships July 19?–?20. This prominent international event will be one of the many highlights of the College’s Centennial celebration.
The festivities will see some sixty participants, from approximately 30 countries, gathering for two days of intense competition that will determine the new world plowing champions.
What will come as a shock to Canadians is the level of esteem these competitors hold in the plowing world; they are literally like rock stars and no matter where in the world they are competing, they are often accompanied by an enthusiastic bunch of hometown fans.
Just to give you an idea of how international this event is, members of the World Ploughing Organization are from Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, England, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Kenya, Lithuania, Macedonia, Netherlands, New Zealand, Northern Ireland, Norway, Republic of Ireland, Russia, Scotland, Slovak Republic, Slovenia, South Africa, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, USA and Wales.
Another highlight of the event will be the plowing demonstrations using original horsepower. Some of the great teamsters of Alberta are invited to stage demo’s using walking plows, sulky plows and the impressive eight-horse hitch powered three-bottom gang plow. The horse demonstrations will happen three times a day.
In addition to the competition, there will be a wealth of displays, live music and entertainment, plus great food. “As with the plowing matches in Europe we hope to create a festive, international atmosphere,” says Dianne Finstad, media consultant for the event.
Since its inception in 1953, Canada has hosted the event five times. The 2012 championship was held in Croatia.
For more information about the 2013 World Plowing Championship and the surrounding festivities at Olds College visit www.worldplowing2013.com
