Scott Campbell
Scott Campbell
SHAWVILLE – The sizzle of grills, people talking and laughing, cows lowing, horses neighing and chickens clucking as well as screams echoing from the midway, mixed with engines roaring at the demolition derby and truck and tractors pulls, and music from the Grand Stand were all heard at the 158th edition of the Shawville Fair, from August 28 to September 1. According to the Pontiac Agricultural Society, over 39,000 people attended the event, which is an increase from last year. “We had hoped for a crowd of 40,000,” said Sara Knox, Pontiac Agricultural Society president. “With bad weather people won’t come, so we lucked out,” she added.
The event was launched Thursday evening where the opening ceremonies highlighted the work of PAS directors and the countless volunteers. “There’s been a lot of planning and organizing all year long. We had about 250 volunteers that helped before, during, and after the event,” said Knox. At the ceremony, Harry and Sandra Dale were presented the ‘Dedicated Service Award.’
Inside the arena, new lighting brightened the stage, thanks to donations from the PAS, Clarendon and Bristol, while outside the Truck and Tractor Pull remained a popular event.
Friday morning continued the school visit tradition with over 500 children touring the grounds. The 4-H steer judging and evening auction saw five people showing. Nick Tubman had the Grand Champion Steer which sold for $4.50 /lb and Darren Bruce’s steer won Reserve Grand Champion at $4.10/lb.
Saturday featured the Western Horse, 4-H, Heavy Horse and Pet shows while the Simmental, Crossbred, Mark of Excellence, Hereford, and Angus shows took place in the afternoon. Holsteins were shown in the evening with 103 exhibitors listed in the different classes.
According to Knox, Sunday was quieter than usual, with the weather possibly a factor. Sunday included the Horse Pull and the Pontiac Firemen’s Challenge where six teams of four firemen competed in an obstacle course against the clock. The Shawville / Clarendon Team composed of Jason Wilson, Ryan Currie, Tim O’Malley and Michael St-Pierre came out on top with a time of 4:04.
The musical acts of Sidewinder, Chilliwack, Phil Denault, Mick Armitage, Peter Dawson, Joanne Dubeau, George Fox, Tim Hicks, Jason Blaine, the Classic Country Revue, and Emerson Drive entertained the crowds throughout the weekend.
“Monday this year was exceptional,” concluded Knox. “The stands were packed for the demolition derby; it was a huge draw! It was a great weekend and I couldn’t be happier.”
