William Dale
Published online September 9, 2026, at www.pontiacjournal.com
SHAWVILLE – Anticipation for the 170th Shawville Fair was already building well before gates opened, as community members took to social media to share their favourite fair food traditions for a pre-fair contest. Darlene Peck was named the winner of the fair’s “dinner for two” giveaway after sharing her top culinary highlights—deep-fried Mars bars, a 4-H booth cheeseburger, walking tacos, and poutine. That local excitement carried straight onto the fairgrounds as the iconic end-of-summer event brought five action-packed days of traditional livestock competitions, country and rock headliners, a demolition derby, and lots of family entertainment from September 3 to 7.
The main stage hosted a full lineup of major touring acts and regional favourites throughout the long weekend. Festivities began on Thursday evening as gates opened at 4:00 p.m., kicking off the midway rides, exhibit halls, and the official opening ceremony, which led directly into the annual Truck and Tractor Pull on the track.
On Friday evening, Canadian alt-rock giants Big Wreck headlined the main stage. Saturday featured rising country artist Jackson Dean after an opening set by The Timberline, alongside afternoon music from Larry and Arnold. Country star Chris Janson closed out the weekend concert series on Sunday night following a performance by the Phil Denault Band, while Gail Gavan & Friends of the Pontiac entertained afternoon crowds in the beer tent.
The traditional agricultural heartbeat of the fair remained central throughout all five days. Friday morning hosted the Holstein and Jersey dairy cattle judging, while Saturday and Sunday featured 4-H Regional Club shows, sheep, and beef judging, culminating in the annual 4-H Market Steer and Lamb-Goat Auction on Sunday evening. Equestrian enthusiasts took in draft horse harness classes, heavy horse and pony shows, the traditional Horse Pull, and high-speed Gymkhana competitions in the arena. On Labour Day Monday, the fan-favorite Demolition Derby and Classic Car and Bike Show closed out the track activities.
Daily family grounds entertainment rounded out the schedule, featuring free pony rides provided by the Pontiac Agricultural Society, the Agricultural Awareness Station, the Great Canadian Lumberjacks Show, the Canine Circus, the De Von Houligans Family Extravaganza, hypnotist and mentalist Fernandez, and free admission to the Pontiac Museum.
