Historical Information:
The first Big Rock Plowing Match was started in
1895 to provide a competition for farmers to plow against one another. The
rules that were established are still followed today. Some wording
has changed but they are basically the same. In 1895 horses and
mules were used and we still have classes for horses and mules, but it has
been 9 or 10 years since we have had an entry.
The Plowing Match was originally held on the 4th
Saturday of September. Over the years three other regional matches
stopped their competitions. So 28 years ago Big Rock moved their
plowing match to the third weekend in September and in 1950 it was made
into a two day event. Today we still plow with antique tractors both
steel and rubber tire also one and two bottom plows are used.
Shortly after the Plowing Match was established a
Ladies Fair was started and it is still active today. Until 1950 a
Saturday dinner was cooked at the field where they plowed. At that
time the Big Rock Plowing Match Association purchased 20 acres and started
the 2-day event. They also started offering Saturday and Sunday
dinners along with a Junior Fair for children to enter, a Horse Show, Beef
Show, Carnival, Pedal Tractor Pull, Horseshoe Tournament, and many other
activities.
This one of the last plowing match competitions
still in existence in the US.