Pontiac Wagon Train 2000: Try driving a team of horses and a covered wagon from Aylmer to Shawville, parading through the towns of Luskville, Quyon and Bristol on the way. About 20 wagons and 60 outriders made the 60-mile trip, setting out from the Hippodrome d’Aylmer July 25 and arriving in Shawville July 28.

They spent the first night camped out at the Luskville Falls Ranch, where they enjoyed the falls and many locals joined the wagoneers with a good meal and some country music.

The wagon train pulled into Quyon Wednesday afternoon after a long, hot ride. Horses were hosed down at the fairgrounds as the wagoneers settled in for the evening. Again, a large crowd joined the trail-busters for an evening of food and songs.

Ron Clarke of Aylmer said the slow pace of the journey allowed him a glimpse of what the pace of life must have been like before the automobile.

There was much excitement when the train pulled into its final destination: Shawville.

People gathered by Giant Tiger  and all along Main Street to welcome the travelers.

Shingle Mill running: Pontiac Industries has one shingle-punching machine running at its shingle mill in Clarendon with three more to follow.

Since May, the machine has been producing 25 squares during an eight hour shift, with a second shift to be added in September.

“The test runs were conducted in Quebec City,” says mill manager Jean-Frederic Demers.

The mill, a joint venture of Davidson Industries and Maibec, will employ about 35 people when it is in full production.