Queen of the Furrow
This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Queen of the Furrow program. It started in Elgin County at the 1960 International Plowing Match held on the farm of Giles Hume near Springfield, Ontario. The first crowned Queen was Mrs. Lynda Prong from Sparta, Ontario. Since then the Queen competition has expanded to what it is today.
Each Queen must compete in their own county or region the year prior (2009) to our match. The requirements are an interview, plowing a parcel of land and giving a 2 minute speech. This year we have 33 Queens from across Ontario competing for the title of Queen of the Furrow for the International Plowing Match here in Elgin County. They are between the ages of 16 and 24. Personality and presenting oneself is a very big factor also. They are rural ladies coming from a farming background, and are expected to attend many different types of events to help promote agriculture in their own area.
In February they met for the first time at the Ontario Plowman's Convention held in London, Ontario at the Four Points Sheraton. This was also an opportunity for our Elgin County Queen of the Furrow committee to plan a program of information to help these young ladies go further in the competition. They learned about poise at all times, how to present themselves, promoting their county or region to their best ability possible, the lost art of table manners, makeup, road safety and how to start a conversation with anyone.
The reigning Queen of the Furrow 2009 - 2010 is Melissa Sparling from Huron County. Melissa attends many functions here in Elgin and also across Ontario representing the Ontario Plowmen's Association. Her reign is only for 1 year. This year in September we will crown a new Queen at the Elgin County Plowing Match held near St. Thomas.
The Queens and the judges will arrive on September 20th for competition. They are staying at the Comfort Inn in St. Thomas. Judging starts right away. Each day the Queens will attend the match site to greet visitors, competitors, vendors and IPM volunteers. On Tuesday the Queens each have a ten minute interview with three judges. Two judges come from outside the county and the third is from Elgin. The judges spend their days with the competitors observing all aspects interacting with the public, each other, and in any and all situations presented.
On Wednesday the Queen's will plow 3 rounds of land close to the tented city with the help of a plowing coach. This is then judged by a Plowing Judge. The winner is presented with a trophy and an award at the Queen Banquet on Thursday night. Truly an honour. In the evening the Queens host a sponsorship dinner and then perform at the RV park.
Thursday brings us to the two minute speech given by each Queen on the main stage at the match. Starting at 9:30 am, followed by a VIP lunch with 2 family members, and time to spend at the match site. The Queen of the Furrow Banquet is held at the new hanger at St. Thomas Airport from 6 - 10:30 pm. Five young ladies will be chosen and given an impromptu question to answer to determine the winner who is then crowned Queen of the Furrow.
Her reign begins right away. She spends the last two days at the match with the former Queen.