Shawville Fair

Celebrating 163 years of family-friendly fun! 

Allyson Beauregard

Once again, people came from near and far to take part in the 163rd edition of “The Valley’s Most Family Friendly Fair” on Labour Day weekend from August 29 to September 2.  According to Tyler McCann, newly elected Pontiac Agricultural Society President, over 45,000 people attended the event over the weekend, an above-average number. Sunday was the busiest day with about 5,000 more people than usual and Monday was also exceptionally busy with about 4,000 more visitors than average. 

McCann credits the weekend’s fabulous weather, growing awareness of the fair’s offerings and the all-for-one admission price for the high attendance.  New events this year included lawn tractor pulls on Friday and a Cake Boss cake decorating contest and auction Thursday evening, which raised about $2,400 for the Shawville Lions Club’s elevator project. McCann said all new activities and events went well and received positive feedback. “We always try to get the right mix of new and old events,” said McCann, who noted planning for the next year’s fair begins during the fair weekend.

“We start discussing what to bring back, what not to, what went well and what didn’t, and what can be done different or better,” added McCann. 

 The combination of 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 are all large draws for the event.  

“I am really proud of the weekend’s turnout. There are always going to be little glitches, but these were few considering the number of people that came through the gates. The event’s success is a testament to the quality of the people we attract with our family-friendly [designation] and to the hard work of the great team who works behind the scenes to make it happen,” concluded McCann.