Shawville Fair draws crowds with tradition, talent and agriculture
Pontiac Journal Staff
SHAWVILLE – The 169th edition of the Shawville Fair ran from August 28 to September 1, drawing large crowds for five days of celebration rooted in community and agriculture.
The fair officially opened Thursday evening in the Giant Tiger big top tent. Pontiac Agricultural Society President Ralph Lang welcomed dignitaries, volunteers and visitors, and introduced Laura Graham as the 2025–26 Shawville Fair Ambassador. Dedicated Service Awards were presented to Rick Young, a past president and longtime volunteer, and to Elwyn Lang, who has served in nearly every role since 1964. Both honourees underscored the fair’s role in educating the public about farming and food.
That evening’s truck and tractor pull faced soggy conditions after much-needed rain. Heavy tractors managed a few runs, but the muddy track forced organizers to cancel the lighter truck classes.
On Saturday, spectators packed the outdoor arena for the popular heavy horse show, highlighted by intermission performances from Spectacle Fantaisie Équestre of Mirabel. Trick riders guided majestic white horses draped in capes, a rainbow-striped pony nicknamed “unicorn,” and trick horses performing daring feats that delighted families. In competition, Eric and Armand Chrétien of Berthierville won both the six- and four-horse draft hitch events, while Ray and Amber McLaughlin of Haley Station claimed second in the four-horse class with their Clydesdales.
Sunday featured the 4-H Regional Show at the Shawville arena, where 30 youth aged 6 to 18 showcased beef and dairy cattle in 24 classes. Tyson and Jake Childs were crowned Grand Champion and Reserve Champion in Showmanship, while nine-year-old Gavin Tracy took Grand Champion Jersey in the junior calf class. Leaders praised the discipline and passion of the competitors, calling them the future of local agriculture.
That same day, the horse pull brought together 22 teams from Quebec and Ontario in a contest of strength that stretched nearly five hours. Shawn Gabie’s team of Prince and Pete captured the light class title with a pull of 8,500 pounds, while the Greer family’s team of Dick and Todd won the heavy class by moving 11,000 pounds.
The Shawville Fair once again lived up to its billing as “the Valley’s most family-friendly fair.” From horsepower to equestrian artistry and youth showmanship, the 2025 edition offered something for everyone while keeping agriculture at its heart.
Photos:
Photo 1 – Todd Kline’s 740 lb pumpkin won first place in the heaviest squash or pumpkin class. (CH)
Photo 2 – Troy and Payton Leonard of Clayton, ON, took third place in the four-horse hitch with their team of Clydesdales. (CF)
Photo 3 – A trick rider from Spectacle Fantaisie Équestre performs a Roman ride during a break in the heavy horse competition on Saturday. (CF)
Photo 4 – Gavin Tracy took Grand Champion Jersey in the junior calf class with his calf, Summertime. (PSC)
Photo 5 – Cars collide in a cloud of smoke during the mixed team event at the demolition derby on Monday. (CW)
Photo 6 – Alex Markwell of Markham, ON, powers his modified International tractor down the track during the Thursday night truck and tractor pull. (CW)