Only in Shawville do we actually look forward to the end of summer. The buzz starts on the last few days of August as the transports carrying the giant rides and booths roll into town and begin to set up for the greatest celebration of farming, food, family, and tradition; The Annual Shawville Fair.
Always, held Labour Day weekend, when the air is cool and crisp in the morning and the sun warms things up in the afternoon. Leaves are just starting to change and provide a stunning background for the jam-packed weekend. Don’t be fooled by the bright lights and squeals from the midway. The Shawville Fair, a tradition in this community for over 162 years, is first and foremost an agricultural fair showcasing the farmers’ annual crops of fruit and vegetables, livestock, handiwork, and horsemanship.
At the heart of the Fair is a celebration of agriculture that gives both locals and visitors a chance to connect to the farming traditions of our area. Every year, the agricultural hall is lined with giant vegetables, beautiful floral arrangements, and fresh produce many wearing the prized red and blue ribbons of best-in-class entries. Over in the handicraft building are displays of handmade quilts, homemade preserves, award-winning baking, and all other manner of handicrafts that have been displayed and judged by a volunteer group of over 40 people.
Best-in-show animal competitions include ribbons for cattle, poultry, sheep, horses, and rabbits. Fairgoers are all invited to watch these competitions to learn more about what’s involved in raising and caring for these animals as well as the role they play in our food system.
Categories are open to participants of all ages, a way to encourage young exhibitors and spark their interest in agriculture. In addition, the fair hosts a School Program each year inviting over 550 students from six local schools to participate in demonstrations and workshops beyond the midway rides. “Moving from Mississauga to Shawville, I always loved fair day at school,” said Madeline Alexander, a former McDowell Student. “Not only did we get the morning off school, we learned so many cool things about farming, food production, and the business of farming.”
For many years, the Shawville Fair has been an opportunity for locals to showcase their skills associated with country living. Throughout the long weekend, the outdoor ring is bustling with impressive displays in multiple equine competitions from the heavy horse competition to the horse pulls and wagon events. Other events that draw a big crowd are the Thursday night truck pull and the Monday afternoon demolition derby.
Midway fun for Everyone
The lights and sounds of the Beauce Carnival attract kids young and old. The midway is definitely one of the most popular attractions at the Fair. The pay-one-price admission bracelet allows for unlimited thrills and spills on every ride from the Scrambler, Orbiter, Himalaya, or the kite swing. The littlest customers find themselves dizzy and delighted riding the dragon coaster, merry-go-round and giant slide. When twirling becomes tiresome, there are always games to play along the midway. Fun prizes are up for grabs for those who can hook a fish, ring a bottle, throw a basket, or shoot a target.
Awesome Eats and Entertainment
All weekend long the Shawville Fair features live entertainment and performances by top-notch artists. Friday night kicks off with Sass Jordan, a British-born Canadian rock singer from Montreal, Quebec. Famous for her ‘80s hit, “Tell Somebody.” Additional performances will include Ottawa Valley favourite, Wayne Rostad and Saturday night’s headliner Brett Kissel.
This is also the time of year to indulge in all of the fun foods that the fair has to offer. From pulled pork to deep-fried Mars bars, cotton candy, candy apples, and corn dogs, there truly is something for everyone. On the not so outrageous side, full meals are served in the Lion’s hall and barbequed burgers are the best at either the 4-H booth or Bonnie’s.
The Pontiac Agricultural Society works tirelessly year-round to plan and organize five of the most fun-filled days of the year making The Shawville Fair one of the most anticipated events of the year for people young and old from far and wide.
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