Chris Lowrey
MONTREAL Nov. 16, 2017
The Pontiac Agricultural Society (PAS) was handed an award for innovation by the Canadian Association of Fairs and Exhibitions (CAFE) on Nov. 16, in Montreal.
The PAS won the award thanks to this year’s relocation of the Agri-Awareness exhibit to a permanent home.
The exhibit was moved from a tent near the steer barn to its full-time home in one of the society’s other barns on the fairgrounds.

“The innovation award is for any new product, service or technology,” said PAS President Sara Knox. “It could be anything in engineering beautification, competitiveness or environmental programming.”
The Agri-Awareness exhibit serves an important purpose at an agricultural fair like Shawville’s. It sheds light on the day-to-day life of farmers, which is illuminating for many people who come to the fair that don’t live in an agricultural community.
“As always it’s a popular attraction,” Knox said. “It’s a hands-on area for children and adults.”
Last year the exhibit featured demonstrations on butter making, beekeeping and sheep-shearing among other educational programming.
The new location makes it easier for fair-goers to access the Agri-Awareness exhibit than the old venue.
A handwashing station was also installed at the new location to help reinforce good handwashing practices – something Knox said is essential for those working on a farm.
The new handwashing station is two-tiered, making it easier for youngsters and those with accessibility issues to access the sink.
Knox said the award demonstrates an unrelenting desire to improve the experience of those that come to the fair.
“It’s just another check mark for our goal of promoting agriculture and educating people,” she said. “We feel this is an important part of our fair.”
“It is nice to be recognized at a national level and we were recognized in front of fairs and exhibitions all across Canada,” Knox said.