Plan your International Plowing Match experience: Local events, shuttle service, road safety

The International Plowing Match & Rural Expo (IPM) is coming to the West Niagara Agricultural Centre & Fairgrounds in Grassie from September 16 to 20.

The Township of West Lincoln will be exhibiting in the IPM tented city, alongside West Lincoln Fire & Emergency Services and West Lincoln Public Library. Stop by to say hello, play some fun games and maybe even win a prize or two.

Special event in West Lincoln

The Township is holding a free two-day community line dancing event to complement the IPM. Join us at the West Lincoln Community Centre for Boots & Furrows, featuring beginner friendly instruction by Urban Cowboy Line Dancing. Monetary donations and non-perishable food items will be collected at the entrance to benefit West Lincoln Community Care.

• Thursday, September 18: Family (all ages) line dancing from 5 to 7 p.m.
• Thursday, September 18: Youth (9-18) line dancing from 7:30 to 10 p.m.
• Friday, September 19: Adult (19+) line dancing from 7 to 11 p.m., including a cash bar served by members of the West Lincoln Firefighters' Association.

Shuttle service

The Township is providing a free shuttle service to bring people from the IPM to the West Lincoln Community Centre, so everybody can join the line dancing fun. Local pick-up locations are included in the route so residents may also take advantage of the free shuttle.

Three buses, including one accessible bus, will complete the route below in a continuous loop as needed.

September 18

4:30 p.m.: pick-up at West Niagara Agricultural Centre & Fairgrounds, 7402 Mud St.
4:45 p.m.: pick-up at Smithville Christian High School, 6488 Townline Rd.
4:50 p.m.: pick-up at Village Square Mall, 249 St. Catharines St.
5:00 p.m.: drop-off at West Lincoln Community Centre, 177 West St.

10:00 p.m.: pick-up at West Lincoln Community Centre
10:10 p.m.: drop-off at Village Square Mall
10:15 p.m.: drop-off at Smithville Christian High School
10:30 p.m.: drop-off at West Niagara Agricultural Centre & Fairgrounds

September 19

6:30 p.m.: pick-up at West Niagara Agricultural Centre & Fairgrounds
6:45 p.m.: pick-up at Smithville Christian High School
6:50 p.m.: pick-up at Village Square Mall
7:00 p.m.: drop-off at West Lincoln Community Centre

11:00 p.m.: pick-up at West Lincoln Community Centre
11:10 p.m.: drop-off at Village Square Mall
11:15 p.m.: drop-off at Smithville Christian High School
11:30 p.m.: drop-off at West Niagara Agricultural Centre & Fairgrounds

Road safety

With more than 70,000 visitors expected, residents should expect higher than typical traffic volumes. We encourage everyone to allow extra time, follow the direction of traffic control staff and be mindful of pedestrians and fellow motorists.

Speed reductions: Along Mud Street (east and west of the event site), speed limits will reduce from 80 km/h to 60 km/h to 40 km/h over an approximately 600 metre distance. Along the Mountain/Grimsby Road/Regional Road 12 corridor, speed limits will reduce from 80 km/h to 60 km/h only.

Road closure: South Grimsby Road 10 will be closed between Mud Street and Young Street beginning Monday, September 15, and continuing through Monday, September 22.

Event and parking signage will be clearly posted to guide visitors. Parking is free.