Big Rock Plowing Match

Big Rock Plowing Match Held annually the 3rd weekend in September. The plowing competition is the main event, est in 1895. The rules that were established are still followed today.

The first Big Rock Plowing Match was started in 1895 to provide a competition for farmers to plow against one another. 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 y

ears 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.

05/23/2026

The July event announced in the May issue of the Big Rock Crier will not be held. We look forward to celebrating America's 250th at the 132nd Big Rock Plowing Match & Festival at Plowman's Park on September 18-20.

Here it is: details about the 2026 Big Rock Bull Bash and Bronc & Bull Bash. Read all about it at https://bigrockplowin...
05/20/2026

Here it is: details about the 2026 Big Rock Bull Bash and Bronc & Bull Bash. Read all about it at
https://bigrockplowingmatch.org
Association Facebook posts and our website are THE place for accurate information about these events.
Communicate with the Association at [email protected]

The trees received hugs of kindness last week when HBR-HS students spread wood chip mulch around 22 trees on their Servi...
04/15/2026

The trees received hugs of kindness last week when HBR-HS students spread wood chip mulch around 22 trees on their Service Day. Looking for $3K to continue tending to the trees in Plowman's Park and to meet the requirements of the Grant from Kane County. Please consider giving today, your donation is greatly appreciated. Checks payable to BRPMA may be mailed to Big Rock Plowing Match Association, P.O. Box 261, Big Rock, IL 60511

Hinckley Big Rock High School Service Day 4/9 at Plowman's Park. Students mulched 22 trees. The trees will be very happy...
04/10/2026

Hinckley Big Rock High School Service Day 4/9 at Plowman's Park. Students mulched 22 trees. The trees will be very happy with mulch covering their root. Thanks so much for giving the trees hugs of kindness.

Hinckley Big Rock High School Service Day 4/9 at Plowman's Park. Thanks again.
04/10/2026

Hinckley Big Rock High School Service Day 4/9 at Plowman's Park. Thanks again.

Hinckley Big Rock High School Service Day 4/9 at Plowman's Park. Thanks for all the work you completed. Really appreciat...
04/10/2026

Hinckley Big Rock High School Service Day 4/9 at Plowman's Park. Thanks for all the work you completed. Really appreciated.

Hinckley Big Rock High School Service Day 4/9 at Plowman's Park. A huge thank you for your 60 hours of spreading wood ch...
04/10/2026

Hinckley Big Rock High School Service Day 4/9 at Plowman's Park. A huge thank you for your 60 hours of spreading wood chips, cleaning and edging flower beds and picking up sticks. We are so grateful. The trees and flowers will thrive - thanks again.

Half way there! Thanks to the six Tree Huggers who got us to 50% of our $6K goal. Seeking more Tree Huggers to get the r...
04/05/2026

Half way there! Thanks to the six Tree Huggers who got us to 50% of our $6K goal. Seeking more Tree Huggers to get the rest of the way by May 15.
Your donation toward the Plowman's Park Tree Revitalization is greatly appreciated. Mail checks to Big Rock Plowing Match Association, P.O. Box 261, Big Rock, IL 60511.

04/05/2026
2026 Vendor Application is available NOW for the 132nd Big Rock Plowing Match on September 19 & 20. Over a dozen vendors...
04/01/2026

2026 Vendor Application is available NOW for the
132nd Big Rock Plowing Match on September 19 & 20.
Over a dozen vendors are already signed on. There's room for you under the majestic oaks in Plowman's Park.
https://bigrockplowingmatch.org

Address

48W508 Hinckley Road
Big Rock, IL
60511

Website

Alerts

Be the first to know and let us send you an email when Big Rock Plowing Match posts news and promotions. Your email address will not be used for any other purpose, and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Contact The Business

Send a message to Big Rock Plowing Match:

Shortcuts

Share

Category