Bringing back tradition – Shawville Fair’s program and admission requirements

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The 165th edition of the Ottawa Valley’s most family friendly fair will focus on highlighting its traditional agricultural roots and bringing people together with all of its classic entertainment.

J-D Potié

SHAWVILLE – Although pandemic restrictions are preventing prominent headliners from performing, this year, the 165th edition of the Ottawa Valley’s Most Family-Friendly Fair is taking it back to the basics of what fairs were originally intended to do: highlight traditional agricultural roots and bring people together.
Vaughan Bastien, Fair board president, told the Journal that the 2021 event will have a simple, but important focus of giving back to the community.
“With everything that’s going on right now, we just want to have something for the people to come out and enjoy,” Bastien said, noting this year’s fair is dedicated to recognizing the efforts of frontline workers during the pandemic.
The Shawville Fair is set to feature all of its classic entertainment venues Labour Day weekend – September 2 to 6.
The festival will also include it’s always popular horse pull and heavy horse shows, truck and tractor pull, the raucous demolition derby and the car and bike show to cap things off.
On Saturday, September 4, the fair will commemorate First Nations Day to acknowledge the origin of the land and to reconcile relations with Indigenous communities, from noon to 5 pm with family activities and entertainment honouring Native Canadian heritage.
Due to COVID, Bastien said all activities will take place outside with no events occurring in the arena. He encourages everyone to come out and make the most of what should be a fantastic time.
The Québec government is implementing a vaccine passport system as of September 1, requiring proof of double vaccination for admission in all bars, restaurants, gyms, and public events. Josey Bouchard, Fair director of communications, explained that fairgoers will be required to prove their vaccination with paper records or QR codes at the entrance gates. Masks are required inside buildings.
Bouchard, who noted the fair was only cancelled once in its 160-plus year history – 2020 – said its return to action is a very big deal and an important step towards normalcy.