‘Expo Shawville Fair’ horse-drawn wagon included in the Campbell’s Bay / Litchfield Santa Claus Parade, December 7.
Scott Campbell
‘Expo Shawville Fair’ horse-drawn wagon included in the Campbell’s Bay / Litchfield Santa Claus Parade, December 7.
Scott Campbell
SHAWVILLE – The Shawville Fair was recognized, November 21, at the annual Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE) Convention where it won the Best in Show Award in the small fair category. This year the convention was held in Ottawa at the Delta City Centre, with 5 fairs collaborating to host it: Shawville, Carp, Metcalfe, Richmond, Spencerville and Russell. The Shawville 4-H Square Dancers performed at the event to add a bit of local flavour.
“The Shawville Fair has never won an award at the CAFE before,” said Pontiac Agricultural President Sara Knox. “Our goal is to always strive to make the Fair experience the best for our guests. To be chosen by a selection committee of peers who are deeply involved in this industry across the country is extremely rewarding,” she continued.
According to Knox, the Best in Show Award criteria falls under a ‘new event, program, concept or technique introduced to the public and/or improved operation adaptability, activities, and success compared to plans and budgets.’ The award for Shawville was given based on the 4-H Alumni Show held at the 2013 Fair in celebration of 4-H Canada’s 100th Anniversary, where about 60 former 4-H members showed in the Beef, Dairy, Sheep and Poultry categories.
“It’s the best fair in Eastern Canada,” said Shawville Mayor, Sandra Murray; “It’s a regional fair and I think they deserve the award. I’ve been going since I was six and think it’s pretty good.”
Quilting from the Shawville area also stood out at the Convention. “Two quilts were selected as the People’s Choice,” said Knox; “Those quilts belong to the late Lynn Lang and Elaine Richardson.” Lang spent a lot of time helping with the Shawville Fair, and her family was presented the Pontiac Agricultural Society’s Dedicated Service Award during this past year’s event.
Knox claims the CAFE had one of the highest number of people in attendance to date. The Convention will be held in Vancouver next year and in Toronto in 2015.
