THE EQUITY chatted with Shawville Fair director Charleen Moore in advance of this year’s event to see what’s new at the agri-awareness exhibition.

THE EQUITY: What’s new this year?
Charleen Moore: “The Agri- Awareness has moved to the lower beef barn this year with a whole new look. We moved it so that everyone will be able to go into the barn during cattle show times.”

THE EQUITY: Why did you decide to change it up?
Moore: “We found the last couple of years it was hard for people to get to the Agri-Awareness tent when shows were on and the back of the arena was closed. This year, people will be able to go in the Agri-Awareness during the whole fair. The Agri-Awareness barn will be open from Thursday at 4 p.m. until Sunday at 8 p.m.

THE EQUITY: What kind of things will be going on?
Moore: “There will be lots of different demos going on during the weekend. For example, we’re going to have demonstrations of sheep shearing, bee keeping, turning milk into butter. A new addition this year is Music with Markus. He’ll be singing and getting the children involved in the songs. We’ll also have free face painting Saturday and Sunday from 1 p.m. – 4 p.m.
There will also be displays from MAPAQ, Agri-Food Canada, there will be a cow for children to milk, and much more to see.”

THE EQUITY: What do you hope people get from the experience?
Moore: “Our goal is to make sure that when people leave the barn, they’ve learned something about agriculture and where their food comes from.”