Celebrating 165 years of family-friendly fun!

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SHAWVILLE – After a year break because of the pandemic, the 165th Shawville Fair returned with a bang on Labour Day weekend from September 2 to 6, with people coming from near and far.
The focus this year was on taking the event back to the basics of what fairs were originally intended to do: highlight traditional agricultural roots and bring people together. The weekend was dedicated to recognizing the efforts of frontline workers during the pandemic and a special First Nations Day was held September 4 with special activities to honour Native Canadian heritage, acknowledge the origin of the land on which the event was held, and to reconcile relations with Indigenous communities.
Although pandemic restrictions eliminated headline entertainment, moved inside activities outdoors, required guests to show proof of double vaccination and made slight tweaks to the event here and there, it was still a success and an all-around good time, said Vaughn Bastien, Agricultural Society President.
According to Bastien, attendance was down about 50%, but many appreciated it. “We were shocked and happy to see so many people through the gates. People told me they could see and enjoy more things without bumping into people,” he said.
The festival included its usual always-popular attractions: agricultural exhibits and shows, musical and kid’s entertainment, the midway, multiple vendors, and activities like Thursday’s truck-tractor pull and Monday’s demolition derby.