Pontiac Perspective by Peter Gauthier
Pontiac Perspective by Peter Gauthier
One year is the time the Earth takes to make one revolution around the sun. Many earthling activities are marked by years: a person’s age, the beginning of a new year, a new school year, holidays such as Christmas and Canada Day, planting and harvesting. Here in Western Québec, we have a special event that marks the yearly rotation of the Earth around the sun – the annual Shawville Fair, from August 29 to September 2, is celebrating its 163rd anniversary.
The most special feature of the Fair is that it’s a multi-purpose, multi-faceted event. There’s live entertainment, midway rides, food, opportunities for young agriculturists to display their talents, a showroom of merchandise, and special events such as the firefighter challenge, truck and tractor pulls, and a demolition derby, among countless other things. In short, there’s something for the whole community to enjoy, whether they are young, old, active or more sedate. The Fair is a combination of entertainment and education in a family-friendly environment with many precious moments; all affordable and easily accessible. Arguably, the most impressive feature is, even though it’s an annual event, each year is different with new experiences.
The Fair will draw visitors and attendees from all over western Québec, eastern Ontario, Canada as well as some foreign countries because attendees know that, whatever their interest or reason for attending, they will find an event that meets their expectations. Acquaintances and new friends will become members of a special community.
All of this is the result of an organization of dedicated volunteers who commit many hours, days and months to planning a unique and high quality event – the Pontiac Agricultural Society. The first dream of a Shawville Fair and the foresight to see it brought into reality was in 1856. Since then, the event has grown in many ways
but remains faithful to its roots in local agriculture and accomplishments.
In many ways the Shawville Fair is a top contender for Community Event of the Year since it’s the one event that all of Western Québec knows about, dreams about and participates in. It’s the event that defines Shawville and the MRC Pontiac.
