HARRY STODDART General Manager Lindsay Agricultural Society
KAWARTHA LAKES: The Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS) and the 2021 International Plowing Match and Rural Expo (IPM) are pleased to announce the “Merry & Bright Festival” being held December 18th to 31st at the Lindsay Exhibition (LEX) Grounds. The drive-through festival of lights is a joint fundraiser for the Lindsay Agricultural Society, the Kawartha Lakes United Way, Kawartha Food Source, Lindsay Lions, the Lindsay and District Curling Club, and Heritage Christian School. IPM 2021 looks forward to the involvement of these same organizations at their fall 2021 event.
Businesses, community groups, farms, and individual community members are invited to set up a light display at the LEX Grounds. Entries can range from a traditional parade float, to farm machinery decked out with Christmas lights, to any idea that celebrates the theme “Christmas on the Farm” and is illuminated. The festival will conclude with a pyro-musical fireworks show on New Year’s Eve.
“If you would have normally put a float in the Santa Claus Parade or have always wanted to participate in a tractor parade of lights, this is your opportunity to show off your creativity. You could potentially win some prizes, and support a number of great local organizations while creating a bright spot for the community, all in a COVID safe manner,” commented Harry Stoddart, General Manager of the LEX.
“The LEX Grounds have the space, the electrical hook-ups, and the roads to create a safe event while providing a ‘lit’ experience for families,” said Len Dawson, President of the LAS. “This is an opportunity to create some fun for the community whether you enter a display, or drive-through to experience the creativity of your neighbours,” remarked Candace Buckley, Chair of the LAS Organizing Committee. “Let’s finish 2020 by creating a positive memory for the community.”
“Christmas is a time of hope,” said Sheila Marshall, President of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association. “We invite you and your family to enjoy the wonder and joy to be found at The Merry & Bright Festival… and return to experience the IPM in October 2021.”
“Through the generosity of the Ontario Government’s Celebrate Ontario grant program, the IPM is proud to partner in this great opportunity to showcase the IPM 2021 and the host community. ‘Christmas On The Farm’ will light the way for a memorable event to be held at the LEX and surrounding farms in October 2021. We want to highlight agriculture, rural living and the success of Kawartha Lakes through plowing competitions, Queen of the Furrow competition, displays, education and entertainment, now and in October,” said Cathy Lasby, Executive Director of the Ontario Plowmen’s Association.
Visit lindsayex.com to learn more about entering the festival and to buy tickets. Tickets must be purchased online and in advance.
About the Lindsay Agricultural Society The Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS) is a federally registered charity and governed by a volunteer board of directors. The LAS was established to improve agricultural knowledge within the community and create opportunities for dialogue between the agricultural community and the residents of the Kawartha Lakes. The mission of the LAS is “To showcase the vibrant agricultural industry in the Kawartha Lakes while enriching the life of the community through the Lindsay Exhibition, events, entertainment, and volunteerism.” The Lindsay Exhibition (LEX) is the annual agricultural fair hosted by the Lindsay Agricultural Society with the help of over 300 volunteers. Attendance averages over 45,000 visitors. The LEX Grounds located at the south end of Angeline Street are owned by the Lindsay Agricultural Society. The LEX Grounds host over 40 events each year in addition to the Lindsay Exhibition, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually.