HOW TO GET OUT AND MAKE THE MOST OF SUMMER

BY JOHANNA BERNHARDT

Fields of Dreams

The International Plowing Match is a massive five-day celebration of rural living and agriculture held at Bowling Green in Amaranth Township from September 19 to 23. Purportedly the largest outdoor event of its kind in North America, the event is in its 104th year with over 75,000 expected visitors. Competitors plow based on age and experience in different classes, such as horse and mule, jointer and sulky plows, as well as tractors and antique tractors. Get up close with historical displays as well as quilting and antiques exhibits that have a deep connection to Dufferin County. Attendees can also stroll through hundreds of vendor booths including food, artisans, decor, apparel, agricultural equipment and vehicle dealers/manufacturers. Live music rings out from multiple stages. Children can explore hands-on activities, visit engaging exhibits, and learn about environmental science and conservation.

Summer Fun At Mansfield Outdoor Centre

Mansfield Outdoor Centre, a beloved local winter crosscountry ski destination, has quietly become a player in the mountain biking and hiking world. The centre’s wellmaintained private trails are accessible to pass holders all summer long. Get an ampedup taste of the fun June 24, 8 a.m. until dark, at the

Pollinator Picks

Spend the afternoon at Avalon Lavender Farm in Mono for the Mono Pollinator Garden Festival on June 24. Guest speaker and gardening genius Paul Zammit from CBC radio will present “Rethinking Beauty: Inspiring Gardens in a Changing World.” And In the Hills’ resident naturalist Don Scallen says he’ll share the ways in which insects and caterpillars support not only our gardens, but local songbirds as well. Learn how to apply sustainable, pollinator-friendly practices in your own backyard, then stroll through local vendor booths and breathtaking lavender fields. Watch for local food truck Rasmi’s Falafel, too.

On August 12 visit Albion Hills Community Farm off Humber Station Road in Caledon for their Monarch and Pollinator Event, and a day of fun at the farm.

Mud Hero Toronto event. Racers push themselves to finish a 6- or 12-kilometre race through sloppy mud and over 20 obstacles on foot. There’s a kids’ race too. (And outdoor showers, which are a must because finishing in headto-toe mud is kind of the point.)

Ticket holders and racers alike can get into the festival vibe with a beer tent and food trucks.

FORE! PRACTISE THAT SWING

Caledon Country Club on Olde Baseline Road near Inglewood has a fun way to enjoy the sport year-round in any kind of weather with their new golf simulator. Practise your swing on a rainy day while you play some of the most beautiful world-class courses on a curved 11-foot-tall by 17-foot-wide screen. Options include target ranges, chipping and putting greens, competitions, and games like miniputt and window smash. Open to the public.