The IPM 2018 Beautification Committee is preparing to welcome tens of thousands of visitors to Chatham-Kent for the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2018 in Pain Court September 18-22.
The theme for this year’s beautification effort is Machines and Marigolds. How can residents and businesses participate? Committee chair Linda Henderson said residents can consider planting and displaying yellow marigolds with farming equipment to decorate yards throughout Chatham-Kent.
Henderson said planning sessions are already underway. To find out exactly how your family and/or business/organization can help beautify Chatham-Kent for the IPM, the next information meeting is being held April 5 at 1 p.m. at the Park Avenue Business Centre in Chatham.
“Our vision is to showcase Chatham-Kent, attract visitors and have them want to return,” Henderson said.
She encourages residents and businesses to use the lime-green and blue Chatham-Kent colours. These are also the colours of the IPM.
“The official flower is the Bonanza Yellow French Marigold, which can be planted in early June and still be vibrant in September,” Henderson added. “There can be central displays in each of the communities of Chatham-Kent, and individual property owners can showcase their own imaginations.”
Henderson pointed out that Chatham-Kent citizens have a long award-winning tradition of beautifying their homes, businesses, schools and community buildings with the goal of attracting visitors to our communities.
“The displays throughout each community do not have to be identical, and creativity is certainly encouraged. In the past, displays have often incorporated disused and antique farm equipment, and so we have included the idea in our theme for the International Plowing Match and Rural Expo 2018,” she added.
As many citizens have taken part in Chatham-Kent beautification campaigns in past years, Henderson says she is optimistic that the information meetings will be well attended. She added she would be happy to speak to community groups about how they can become involved.
For more information, Henderson can be reached through the IPM 2018 Facebook page or by e-mail at beautificationipm2018@gmail.com.
