Annual Plowing Match In Mercer County This Weekend

Howell Living History Farm will hold its 34th annual Plowing Match on Saturday, Sept. 2, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. A dozen teams of draft animals from New Jersey, Pennsylvania and New York will compete. The match tests the performance of farmers, their horses and oxen.

Residents, including children, can win ribbons by plowing in visitor classes beginning at 10:30 a.m. Classes are for ages 8-9, 10-11, 12-13, 14-15 and 16 & up. No experience is necessary.

Pony rides, wagon rides, an obstacle course driving competition and music by the Jugtown Mountain String Band are also on tap. Roast pork sandwiches, a chicken barbecue, kosher franks, and local potatoes and sweet corn are on the lunch menu, beginning at noon.

Plow match judges, some of whom are traveling from as far as Virginia and Oklahoma to help with the match, will present trophies and ribbons to the winners of all classes at 1:30 p.m. Parking and admission are free. Rain date is Saturday, Sept. 9.

Howell Farm is owned by the County of Mercer and maintained by the Mercer County Park Commission. It is located on Valley Road, just off Route 29, in Hopewell Township. The GPS address is 70 Woodens Lane, Hopewell Township, NJ 08530. Visiting hours are 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday and noon to 4 p.m. on Sundays. For more information, call the farm office at 609-737-3299 or visit www.howellfarm.org or www.mercercountyparks.org.

The attached image of a scene from the annual Plowing Match at Howell Living History Farm was provided by county officials.