BOOTS N BANDANAS
The Pontiac Agricultural Society hosted a free dance featuring a demonstration by the 4-H square dancers, Saturday, June 1 at the Agricultural Hall in Shawville. Billed as “Boots N Bandanas”, the event was attended by 4-H members, Fair Committee members, and members of the public from all over the Pontiac, who came out in their best western attire to celebrate the area’s farming heritage.
4-H members ran a concession selling pulled pork, hot dogs, chips, and ice cream to raise funds for an upcoming trip to a 4-H rally in Richmond, QC. Club leader Kayla McCann explained “21 club members will be making the five-hour trip along with their animals and arts and craft projects for a chance to compete and socialize with other clubs from around the province.”
Speaking with the Journal, both Ag. Society President Ralph Lang and General Manager Mavis Hanna explained that the dance, the second to be held, is to show appreciation to the many volunteers and community members whose support allows the annual Shawville Fair to be held each year.
The 4-H square dancers entertained the packed house with enthusiastic performances by their Peewee Group (age 7-9), the Juniors (age 9-12), and the Seniors (age 13 to 21). Callers for the dances were Eloise Thompson and Amy Sheppard, who exhibited great skill and adaptability when during Sheppard’s performance the music unexpectedly cut out and she and the dancers carried on without missing a beat. 4-H club leader Tyler McCann also called for the last dance, which brought together all the age groups for a combination number to the delight of the crowd. The band for the event, The Velocitys from Ottawa, played a high-energy mix of rock and roll and country which kept the crowd on their feet dancing into the evening. – Clifford Welsh
Photo – Youth dance the night away at the Pontiac Ag. Society’s Boots N Bandanas dance, June 1 in Shawville. (CW)
