More than 60 mothers and local artisans gathered at the Shawville Arena Saturday morning to participate in the first ever mom-to-mom market put on by the Pontiac Agricultural Society (PAS), organized as a fundraiser for the arena.
The market featured tables filled with gently used kids toys and clothing for all ages, as well as Mother’s Day gifts made by local crafters and bakers.
“It’s really a variety that encompasses all ages,” said Mavis Hanna, general manager of the PAS. “Right now, things are expensive and this is a great way to get affordable good clothing for your family. It’s really a win for everyone.”
Hanna said that they were inspired by similar sales in other communities and wanted to have one locally. They decided to make the event a fundraiser for the Pontiac Arena Fund with proceeds from the tables and donations going towards the arena’s upkeep. She said they received much more interest than they expected when they proposed the market.
“It’s fantastic, we’re so happy with the support we have received,” Hanna said. “Our goal was 20 [vendors] and suddenly we got to 25, 30. All I could think was wow, this is really being well supported.”
Quyon resident Meghan Foran was one of the moms who used the event to pass on belongings her family no longer needed.
“I’ve been wanting to clear out all the stuff that my kids have outgrown,” she said. “But throwing a yard sale at my house felt like a lot of work so I like the idea that it was all in one place.”
Foran said she was happy to contribute to the fundraiser for the arena because her kids play hockey there.
“It’s an important part of the area and sports are really important.”
Hanna echoed the sentiment.
“It’s such a worthwhile cause because we need recreation in our community,” Hanna said. “We need something for the children and adults to participate in, and this is a way to ensure that we are helping to support.”
A group of residents formed the Pontiac Arena Fund over the winter to help raise the $2 million needed for the arena upgrades.
Other fundraisers in the works for the arena include the Men’s Night, taking place this Friday, May 9 at the arena, and a performance by the RCMP Musical Ride June 1.
