New Denmark Plow Days

New Denmark Plow Days

On a crisp fall morning you can hear the antique tractors roaring, a school fundraiser

is on the horizon, and a very traditional gathering is happening.... all in support of our

school backpack program.

A year prior, local farmers were attentive at a request for potatoes in support of a

new program that fills a bookbag full of food to provide meals for families over the

weekend. This initiative came from the realization that many students shared having little

to eat over the weekend. No farmer likes to hear of empty bellies and the impact of that on

a young person. They gathered and discussed a willingness to come together and support

the program in ways that would have a more sustainable impact.

From those conversations came a few meetings and alas a fundraiser would take

place in the form of a full day event that included an antique tractor parade, traditional

tractor plowing, and an antique tractor pull. It flourished into a series of local vendors also

wanting to sell their products and rent tables to do so and we had a canteen to enjoy some

authentic Danish sausages.... you are in New Denmark after all, it’s the oldest Danish

settlement in Canada, founded in 1872.

People came out and took part, observed, cheered, bought food, tickets and local

items! We had a perfect weather and were able to raise a significant amount for the school

backpack program.

As we get ready for our second annual, we have grown and even added lawn mower

racing and an after-party dance.... it’s a full day event and one to not miss!! When a

community comes together for a common goal and everyone works collaboratively to make

it happen, great things occur! It’s quite unique but it’s also all about family, community and

taking care of one another, after all farmers feed families!

Marco A. LeBlanc