This article is based on the square dance experience in Eastern Ontario with the involvement in the 2003 International Plowing Match. Depending on the event, just insert the name of the proposed event in place of the references to the Plowing Match. It is hoped that this may used as a basis to assist Clubs and Associations in promotion activities for square dancing.

Idea should be planted in the mind of an 'enthusiastic, ambitious' person/couple and or club located in the local area of the plowing match, who would be keen enough to do what ever can be done to 'market' square and round dancing.

Why 'local area'? It is local volunteers who are involved in organizing the event, and under the direction of the guidelines set out by the Ontario Plowmen's Association located in Guelph, you can learn that the basic requirements for entertainment, etc., etc. in the Tented City is to feature the talents of the people/organizations of the host county.

How does it start for you? You may be approached by previous years Co-chair couple or you can approach the International Plowing Match on their web site at http://www.plowingmatch.org or you can Email to admin@plowingmatch.org

It is a major commitment of time and requires a number of volunteers to assume the Coordination of such a project. In 2003, Audrey and Brian Kealy where co-chair couple and they included all of the Eastern Ontario Square and Round Dance clubs in this event.

As they are members of the Mississippi Squares' Promotion Committee, they did not have a problem selling the idea of getting involved at the IPM. Dancers got involved in helping in many areas at the Match, over and above the Exhibit Booth and square dancing. The excitement and motivation for getting out and helping at such a 'large' exhibition taking place for the first time in the 90 year history of Rural Expo to take place in Lanark County, was talked up and developed.

Telephone calls were made to establish contacts with the IPM Board to learn more about what was involved and asked if they could attend a meeting for more information. Later on, they contacted different groups and corporations regarding sponsorship.

The next step was to talk to club callers to obtain their support. You might ask one of them to attend one of the first meetings with the Rural Expo 2003 Board.
Then, arrange to give a presentation to your Association e.g. EOSARDA and ask for financial support to carry out a promotion of square and round dancing at IPM. If the motion is carried you might then approach, the Ontario Square and Round Dance Federation for additional support if needed. This approach could make it possible to apply for a 10' x 10' Exhibit Booth.

It would be desirable to have an Exhibit booth, where personal contact could reach out to people and pass out information on square and round dancing.
At the Mississippi Squares Halfway Dance, we allowed the IPM Marketing people to have a booth at our dance in order to motivate interest by the dancers at the IPM. And, it worked! At that dance, we invited dancers to sign their name if they wished to volunteer to participate at the IPM, indicating the day(s) which best suited them. Good numbers signed up which indicated a high level of interest in participating.

Try to involve dancers from as many clubs as possible. This gives a broader coverage of the perspective of modern square dancing throughout your area. A booth could be manned by fewer people, but it would be a more affective marketing tool if more people were a part of the team.

A list of volunteerS to dance at the IPM would serve as a valuable source for selecting a representative couple from each club. This couple could contact the dancers to ensure each club understands what is expected of them and what hour's volunteers would be needed to work at the booth.

Status reports were distributed as developments took place. These were also shared with EOSARDA and the Federation.

Like any successful project, it takes dedication, commitment and a lot of time and, talking to many people. However, even when there are disappointments (and there will be several, as things keep changing), it is a learning experience. It is also a new experience for most of the organizers themselves. (This may not be the case, so much at Meaford, as the Plowing Match has taken place there before -- in fact, I understand, on the same farm(s).)

Most importantly, they should have the support of their dancers and local Square Dance Association.

It's well worth the effort if only 12 new dancers paying an estimated club membership of $80 join our activity. Who knows where those 12 dancers can take the movement -- maybe some great new callers and leaders.