Event hosted by WA Draft Horse and Mule Association
OLYMPIA – March 17, 2015 – The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission and the Washington Draft Horse and Mule Association (WDHMA) invite the public to an old-fashioned horse-plowing match and demonstrations of turn-of-the-century farm equipment at Olmstead Place State Park.
The second annual Plowing Bee is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, March 28 and Sunday, March 29 at Olmstead Place State Park, midway between Ellensburg and Kittitas, off Highway 90. The main event—the horse-plowing match—will feature draft horses such as Shires, Belgians, Clydesdales and Percherons. In addition, teamsters will be showing their horses and mules in traditional harness with horse-drawn farming equipment, including a variety of hitches, various plow styles, harrows and discs. Some of the farm equipment will be pre-tractor antiques, while others will be modern examples of horse-powered farm equipment.
The plowing competitions take place in the morning and in the afternoon on both days. The Ellensburg Moose Lodge will be serving lunch of hamburger, potato salad and drink for about $6. Free wagon rides will also be available.
For more information about the Plowing Bee, contact Eric Watness, ericwatness1@gmail.com, (206) 669-7280; Richard Cameron, 3cshires@gmail.com, (509) 312-9342 or Maurya Broadsword, Washington State Parks, (509) 925-1943. Visit the WDHMA website at: http://wdhma.org/
The Plowing Bee is free to attend. A Discover Pass will be needed for vehicle access to the park. For more information about the Discover Pass, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
About Olmstead Place State Park
Olmstead Place is a 217-acre day-use park originally settled as a homestead by the pioneering Olmstead family in 1875. Many of the original buildings and artifacts are on view. Park staff host tours and school field trips. For information, directions and a brief history of the park, visit: www.parks.wa.gov/556/Olmstead-Place
About Washington State Parks
The Washington State Parks and Recreation Commission manages more than 100 state parks and properties totaling approximately 120,000 acres. The Commission provides a variety of recreation opportunities for citizens and provides stewardship protection for a diverse array of natural, cultural and historic resources. State Parks’ statewide programs include long-distance trails, boating safety and winter recreation.
Follow Washington State Parks:
Share your favorite state park adventure on the State Parks’ blog site at www.AdventureAwaits.com.
Support state parks by purchasing your annual Discover Pass today, and enjoy a whole year of outdoor fun on Washington’s beautiful state-managed recreation lands. For more information, visit www.discoverpass.wa.gov.
Media contacts:
Toni Droscher, (360) 902-8604
Maurya Broadsword, (509) 925-1943
Wash. Telecommunications Relay Service: (800) 833-6388
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