THE EQUITY: What are your plans for this year’s fair?
André Fortin: “The opening ceremony is always a must. They do a good job of highlighting the efforts of the volunteers… This is a community event put on by the community.”
THE EQUITY: What’s your earliest memory of the fair?

Fortin: “Probably with my grandparents when I was six or seven. When you’re that small, everything looks so much bigger. As early as I’ve got memories, I’ve got memories of the fair.”
THE EQUITY: What is the importance of an event like the Shawville Fair to a small community like this?
Fortin: “The fair is an event that brings the Shawville community and the Pontiac in general together. In terms of the best opportunity for me to get out and see the Pontiac, the Shawville Fair is certainly at the top of the list. It’s also extremely important to make young people aware of where their food comes from. The exhibitions are a good opportunity to do that …. Just walking around the fair, you can see the economic activity going on there.”
THE EQUITY: What are you looking forward to most at this year’s fair?
Fortin: “What I like the most is just walking around and talking to the people who organize the event. They work really hard and by the time they’re done cleaning up on Tuesday they’re already planning next year. I’m also looking forward to walking around with my kids and spending time with my family.”
THE EQUITY: What’s your favourite fair food?
Fortin: “Billy T’s. Every year.”