BIG ROCK, Ill. — The weekend of Sept. 19-21 will play host to the 120th annual Plowing Match in Big Rock. A traditional competition based on Welsh heritage, this event began in 1894 under the direction of Big Rock farmers S.A. Chapman, W.D. Powell and Walter Scott.

In the early years, horses and mules were used, and although classes are still available for them, it’s been about 10 years since it had a draft animal entry. Located just west of Aurora on U.S. Route 30, this farm show is one of the longest-running events of its kind, and one of the few plowing matches still in existence nationwide.

Knowing not to mess with success, organizer Roger Hatfield said not much has changed for the past 18 years or so. “There’s really nothing new or different,” he said. “If you saw a poster today, it would look pretty much like the past few years.”

Activities get under way this Friday with the carnival wristband night from 6-9:30 p.m. The concession stand will sell hot dogs, chips and soda. This year, Big Rock will welcome back Darrin Lee, who will be the DJ from 6:30-9:30 p.m. Judging of the various culinary entries takes place Friday, as well.

Antique steel and rubber category plowing, with one- and two-bottom plows, begins at 9:30 a.m. Saturday. Hatfield said they only have a large enough plot for 48 entries, and some already have been turned away this year because there’s no more room.

A Western and English horse show will begin at 8:30 a.m. and continue until 5 p.m.

At 11:30 a.m., 5-Bs Catering of Waterman will start serving pork chop and chicken dinners. The ladies’ fair auction will be conducted at 1:30 p.m., and the junior fair auction will take place at 1 p.m. The round bale roll-off will be at 4 p.m.

“The auctions usually bring in the most money for the event,” Hatfield said. “We don’t charge admission for the event.”

Following a community church service on Sunday, Reuland’s Catering will provide a roast beef dinner starting at 11 a.m. A watermelon-eating contest will also take place at 11 a.m.

Plowing will resume at noon, and the 4-H beef show will begin at 1 p.m. The Prince and Princess Contest is set for 1:30 p.m., followed by Big Rock Park District bingo at 2:30 p.m.

A must-see is the craft and art show, with more than 50 vendors. Other attractions include train rides, the 5K tractor trot, pedal tractor pulls and a horseshoe tournament.

Because no admission is charged, Hatfield said it’s difficult to estimate attendance. With good weather, he guessed the event generally sees 6,000-7,000 visitors each year. For more information, visit www.bigrockplowingmatch.com