On Friday night, the Agriculture hall at the Shawville fairgrounds was packed for a ladies night fundraiser, with the theme “Sippin’ and Salsas”. The event was put on by the Pontiac Arena Fund, a non-profit group formed at the start of 2025 to raise money for repairs to the Shawville arena. 

Arena Fund president Mike Rusenstrom said that following a successful men’s night fundraiser in the spring, the group had to have a corresponding opportunity for the women of the community to get together in support of the town’s arena. 

“There was definitely a call out, there were women asking questions on when it was going to be their turn and what the plan was for it,” he said, noting that the event sold out in six days.

The taco bar was provided by Bistro Mexicana 129 out of Aylmer, with live music by the band Midnight Special.

Rusenstrom estimated that with an attendance of just over 400 señoras and señoritas, the event had brought in well over $30,000, calling it a “fantastic night.”