The Pontiac Agricultural Society hosted dozens of people at the second annual Boots and Bandanas Spring Dance at the Agricultural Hall on the Shawville Fairgrounds on Saturday evening.
“It’s an appreciation party to thank all of the community for supporting us,” said Mavis Hanna, general manager for the society.
“We’re 168 years old. And if we hadn’t had that community support the last 168 years, we wouldn’t be where we are now.”
The event featured entertainment from the Ottawa band Velocity, as well as food . . .
served by the members Shawville 4-H Club, who were raising funds in preparation for the 4-H rally, an annual event where members from 4-H clubs across the province come together to compete in showing off their livestock and produce.
“I think we’re judging carrots, beef, dairy cattle, other options like vegetables, handcrafted items. And then there’s a show day so members can show off their lambs, goats, chickens and cows,” said Alex Mayhew, a member of the club for years.
Ralph Lang, president of the Pontiac Agricultural Society, explained that the Shawville Fair is a massive undertaking for the region, requiring thousands of volunteer hours to serve the event, which can see up to 45,000 people attend every year.
“It’s getting bigger and better every year and people, once they come, they just keep coming back,” Lang said.
The evening closed with a square dance, and the announcement of Gerald Dagg as the winner of the best-dressed competition for his interpretation of the dance’s ‘boots and bandanas’ theme.
