As the sun set this past Saturday evening, the Pontiac Agricultural Society Board of Directors invited the regional community to a Barn Dance at the Shawville Fair grounds.

Held in celebration of their volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors, the admission free event was billed as a “thank you” for all those who make the annual Shawville Fair possible.

Starting at 8:30 p.m. and going late into the night, the event drew in participants of all ages. As rock/country band Ransom entertained the crowd with their mix of covers and originals, many attendees took to the dance floor to strut their stuff.

Those of a more reserved nature preferred to instead sit at one of the barns’ many tables and socialize. Even so, it didn’t take long before some of those who had been sitting made their way to the dance floor.

A dance presentation by the Shawville 4-H club was also held. Clearing the dance floor for a short time, children and adolescents from the club showcased choreographed, traditional dances to country music.

Engaged onlookers looked on pridefully.

According to a Pontiac Agricultural Society Board of Directors Facebook post, Mike Smiley was the winner of the event’s 50/50 draw. He is reportedly donating his winnings to the Shawville 4-H club.

In addition to the cash bar, Bill Telford’s Shawville Fair Pizza truck was a big hit amongst dance attendees.

Braving the mosquitoes, large crowds gathered outside the barns doors to watch as their fellow attendees took on the mechanical bull that had been brought in from Montreal specifically for the event. President of the Pontiac Agricultural Society Board of Directors, Vaughan Bastien wowed spectators with his skillful riding technique – even if his eventual fall was met with hearty laughter.

“We wanted to have an event where we could give back to the public,” Bastien said. “The Shawville fair is based on volunteers, and so we thought we should have a party to thank our volunteers, thank the sponsorship and thank the surrounding community. We are very appreciative of all that they do.”

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