Message from the president

Zainab Al-Mehdar

Shawville Aug 24, 2022

Nothing beats the look of excitement as kids enter the gates of the Shawville Fair all full of wonder ready to explore all it can offer said Vaughan Bastien, the President of the Shawville Fair.

Entering its 165th edition the Shawville Fair is only 8 days away. THE EQUITY spoke to Bastien, who highlighted that this year they’re hoping for a great turnout and for families to enjoy the biggest event in the region.

“We didn’t raise prices so we’re trying to give the families still a good bang for your buck, but more importantly we want them to be relaxed and come and enjoy themselves,” said Bastien.

When asked if he is worried about a relapse in covid restrictions coming back he added that he believes they will have a normal fair this year but people can mask up or not, according to their comfort level, as mask mandates in Quebec have been lifted. To keep people safe they will provide hand sanitizer stations, he said.

If anything were to change from now until the fair he believes they have the tools and knowledge to implement covid protocols. “We did prepare last year and we were successful with it. We’ll do it again this year and make sure everybody is safe,” he said.

Organizing this year’s fair came with its own challenges, like getting back into a rhythm after taking a year off in 2020 and having a scaled back fair in 2021, but nevertheless the board members pulled through and are excited to put on another fun-packed fair for the community, said Bastien.

“I just want everybody to come out, have fun, enjoy themselves, feel relaxed and enjoy the good mood, good atmosphere and the music,” he said.

Laura Mayhew this years Shawville Fair Ambassador

Zainab Al-Mehdar

Shawville Aug 24, 2022

The long-standing tradition of choosing a Shawville Fair ambassador was once again an exciting night for all the participants involved.

The Pontiac Agricultural Society congratulated Laura Mayhew, representing the dairy division, as this year’s Shawville Fair Ambassador for 2022.

“When they called my name I was absolutely stunned. It means a lot for me to be both the Dairy Ambassador and the Shawville Fair Ambassador because it’s amazing to be a part of such an wonderful event and be able to promote the Dairy Industry as well as Agriculture Awareness,” said Mayhew.

THE EQUITY Rosebowl trophy that was handed to Mayhew has been passed down since 1958. The award initially started as the Pontiac Dairy Queen Trophy and the first recipient of it was Phylis Wilson.

Over the years it was amalgamated to reflect the agricultural landscape of the region but also to be more inclusive to young men and women of the area as to allow for more participants, explained Holly Campbell, one of the orgnaizers and a director of the Shawville Fair.

“Some of the young people that we’ve seen through the program have their parents name on it from the past or like aunt or cousin. So it’s actually quite nice to have a little piece of history in your house with lots of familiar names,” said Campbell.

The runner-ups included Ben Judd representing 4-H, Reese Rusenstrom representing the Beef Divison, Felix Vereyken representing the Poultry Division, and Mason Vereyken representing the 4-H Booth.

Each of the five contestants for the different positions were judged on their speech, how they incorporated their respective divisions, the on-going theme which are “the valley’s most family friendly fair, and creativity,” said Campbell.

This year’s panel of judges included Ed Walsh, Mayor of Clarendon, Meaghan McConnell, Miss Shawville Fair 2005, and Shannon Gillan, Director at Carp Fair.

At the event, former Shawville Fair Ambassador for 2019-2020 Cadence Beck was recognized with two scholarships on August 16. The first being through the Pontiac Scholarship Fund. The PAS was not present at the awards ceremony earlier this summer, but still wanting a chance to congratulate Cadence and celebrate her pursuing post-secondary education. Vaughan Bastien, the Shawville Fair president, presented the scholarship that the PAS donated. The scholarship is awarded to a student pursuing schooling in agriculture.

The second award was the Delmar Bennett Memorial Scholarship. It was presented by Gwen Bennett. The scholarship is awarded annually to a young person pursuing education in the agricultural sector. They must also graduate from a school in Renfrew County.

“I think that we have a really wonderful group of young people participating in the ambassador program again this year and I continue to look forward to working with them and seeing, all that they can accomplish in the fair weekend,” said Campbell.

When asked what she is most looking forward to Mayhew said: “I’m really looking forward to seeing everyone at the fair, as well as seeing all the entertainment and exhibits. I’m also excited to show my animals in 4-H and see the whole weekend come together.”

Canadian Country star to make appearance at the fair

Brett Thoms

Pontiac August 18, 2022

Up-and-coming Canadian country music star, Aaron Goodvin, will be making his debut at the Shawville Fair by headlining the main stage on Saturday night.

Goodvin describes his sound as country with rock influence.

“I’ve always loved the three chords and the truth, you know, something that really rings true to me,” explained Goodvin about how his musical style formed. “As I played in the bars growing up, I kind of developed a little bit more of a rock and roll thing. So it’s somewhere in between country lyrics with a Bryan Adams feel. I love big melodies, I love telling a story with a song.”

The Nashville, Tennessee based musician grew up in Spirit River, Alberta and moved to Edmonton when he was 17 so he could be closer to music. He had to struggle through an ADHD diagnosis and being half deaf throughout his life.

“It’s just kind of been a wild ride for me and my family, but I still have that small town attitude, you know, I fight my way through a lot of things, sometimes making things harder than they have to be. But I love where I’m from,” said Goodvin about his roots.

Goodvin attributed his success to the support he received from his family and his small town roots.

“I’ve always loved small town songs,” he said. “So I’m always kind of writing from that vein, you know, where everybody knows everybody. Everybody is dating everybody.”

While it’s his first time in the Pontiac, Goodvin said he’s played a few shows in the Ottawa Valley.

“I’m super excited to learn more about the area. And hopefully, it’s a place that will want me back,” said Goodvin.

Goodvin also explained how much the pandemic has changed the way the audiences react to his performances, especially in Canada where covid restrictions were far harsher than they were in the US.

“In Canada, there’s definitely the sense that people don’t want to take it for granted,” said Goodvin. “It’s about kind of reintroducing ourselves to the market up in Canada, because it’s been two years, literally, that people haven’t been able to go out. You really get this sense that it’s very exciting and very electric. The shows I’ve done so far have exceeded my expectations.”

Goodvin ended the interview by explaining how much he loves connecting with the fans.

“I usually sign autographs and I’ll stay until the last person wants an autograph or another picture, whatever. A big part of what we do, we like to connect with people,” concluded Goodvin.

Goodvin will perform on Saturday September 3 on the main stage between 9:00 and 10:30 p.m.

PHS’s demolition derby car to make its debut at this years fair

Zainab Al-Mehdar

Shawville Aug 24, 2022

With less than two weeks until the Shawville Fair Demolition Derby, Pontiac High School students are finally ready to showcase their car that will enter the race on Monday, Sept 5.

On November 16, 2021 it was announced that Principal Debra Stephens donated the car which made this project possible. Since then the project involved all 70 of Megan Tubman’s welding students from grades seven to 11, who worked tirelessly to weld the car into shape.

What makes this derby car special is the fact that it reflects all the hard work the students of PHS have put into it. Some of the features include a big paw on the hood of the car painted red white and black for the school colours. They installed a cut out that read ‘PHS welding program’ on the halo bar, they registered the car number as 455 and the student’s put their signatures on it as a final touch.

“I think the staff was pretty excited as well. I’ve been hearing some feedback that people that don’t usually attend the fair are making a point to purchase a ticket to go watch the derby on Monday. So we’re gonna have our own little cheering section,” said Tubman.

After the bodywork was done on the car it was sent over to Jeremy Williams, the mechanic who runs Jer’s Auto Service in Ladysmith. He’s doing the mechanical stuff on the vehicle to make sure it is up and running for demolition day.

“They did a really really good job. I’m really excited to see all of their faces when it goes into the ring,” he said, adding that he’s excited to drive it on the day of the event.

Since the car had been at his garage he has had community members stop by just to see it because it was so well done.

When asked what the goal of this project was, Tubman said it was about teaching her students about teamwork.

“My biggest goal when they’re working on a big group project like that is to teach them how to work together as a team because when they get into the workforce they’re always going to have colleagues,” said Tubman.

She and her family have already purchased their tickets and can’t wait for the demolition derby race.

Hello from local representatives

Andre Fortin, MNA for Pontiac: “On the one hand, summer days are getting shorter and shorter. On the other hand, the Shawville Fair is fast approaching! And that means that we once again get to showcase the Pontiac region, our way of life, our agricultural products and expertise. It means that our 4-H youth get to show us their hard work, and we all get to support them. It means that our local producers get to exhibit their best products and small animals. It means that we get to welcome thousands of people to our town. It means that we get to create memories across generations with our parents and grand-parents, or kids and grandkids. As a child, I most certainly did. And as a dad, I look forward to creating new memories with my little ones.

Our fair runs on the hard work of its volunteers. For almost a full year, they plan, organize, orchestrate and run the fair itself. They deserve all the appreciation we can send their way this weekend. Thank you to past and present volunteers. With your hard work, selflessness and community spirit, you put forward the spirit and values of our region. Enjoy the Fair!”

Sophie Chatel, MP for Pontiac: “Expo Shawville is the oldest agricultural fair in Quebec, celebrating its 165th anniversary this year. Thank you for continuing this great tradition and celebrating the world of agriculture. I wish everyone visiting the Shawville Fair a great time; its known as the Valley’s most family friendly fair for a good reason.

Bill McClearly, Mayor of Shawville: “Another edition of the Shawville Fair is upon us. On behalf of the Municipality of Shawville, we welcome everyone to town.

After a couple of not normal years, hopefully we have a normal event.

Also thank you to the team of volunteers from the Ag society that put on the fair. Most people don’t realize the amount of work involved.

We do!”

Pontiac Pride to have their first booth at the Fair

Eva Baldi

Shawville August 24 2022

New community group Pontiac Pride will have a booth during the Shawville Fair for the first time.

The group was started by a group of mothers who wanted to make sure that the community had the right resources in place for their children to feel safe coming out of the closet.

“Pontiac Pride was started by a group of moms who wanted to create a better community for their queer children,” said Erica Ouimet, founding member and co chair of Pontiac Pride. “My partner and myself, it was an endeavor for us because we had already gone through coming out and we wanted to create a better environment for our kids to be able to come out.”

This is the first year that Pontiac Pride will have a booth at the Shawville fair. The booth will have flyers and resources from many organizations that will be helpful for anyone under the LGBTQ+ umbrella. As well as resources to help allies better support the LGBTQ+ people in their lives.

The group will also be selling merchandise related to pride. Many of the group members will be making handmade items to sell at the booth. All proceeds from sales at the booth will go towards fees to officially register the organization as a non-profit.

Lots to see with the 4-H club

Zainab Al-Mehdar

Shawville Aug 24, 2022

This year the Shawville 4-H club has a few things lined up with a mix of animals that the kids will be showing, said Gillian MacDougall the local leader.

Events like the auction and the show that the kids put on take a lot of time and effort, said MacDougall. On Sunday night one of the biggest events for the 4-H involves the kids selling their animals and it’s a big part of the day because of all the preparation they did beforehand. For that they were taught about marketing, and community outreach.

“They bought this animal, they’ve raised this animal, and then they sell it and it’s kind of a great way for them to start learning about the agriculture industry and about work you have to do with marketing,” said MacDougall.

Along with different projects the kids participate in, the animals can also be enjoyed by the general public at the barn as part of Agricultural Awareness which is organized with the fair board. Visitors can come and see sheep, goats, rabbits and calves all weekend along with different community groups and organizations.

The kids love sharing their passion and interest in agriculture and animals with people, and being able to do that at the fair is a highlight for the kids, she said.

“It’s great to be able to see them learn and grow and work as a team as well. To get ready and take care of their animals and do the best they can to present their animals and themselves to the judges,” said MacDougall.

The kids will also be participating in a food booth, which can be spotted near the beer tent and the Exhibit Hall. It is a way for the kids to gain experience in the service industry and working with customers, but it is also a big fundraiser for the club.

“I grew up going to the local fair with 4-H and so it’s a big part of celebrating our agricultural community and a great end of the summer celebration,” said MacDougall.

You can expect to see the 4-H kids on Friday for their Market Steer and Lamb Show, Sunday for the Regional Club Show and Market Steer and Lamb Auction.

James Barker Band hits the stage Sunday

Eva Baldi

Shawville August 24 2022

The chart-smashing Canadian group of four, James Barker Band, is set to hit the main stage on Sunday at 9 p.m. during the fair.

The group is made up of James Barker (lead vocals/guitar), Taylor Abram (guitar/background vocals), Connor Stephen (drums), and Bobby Martin (bass).

According to their website, the band was formed after Barker and Stephen got second place at a battle of the bands at their arts summer camp. After the show they spoke to sound engineer Abram, who asked the duo if they wanted to record a song. Barker and Stephen asked Abram to join as backup vocals. Martin joined a year later in 2015.

Since then, the group has amassed international success, touring Canada and the United States. They have had multiple chart topping hits including Chills, Keeping it Simple, Wasting Whiskey, as well as Old New Trucks recorded with 14 time grammy nominated artist Dierks Bentley.

The group boasts over a million monthly listeners on Spotify, over 32,000 followers on Facebook and over 40,700 followers on Instagram.

James Barker Band was nominated for the Canadian Country Music Awards in categories of entertainer of the year, fan’s choice, group or duo of the year, interactive artist or group of the year, and single of the year (with their song “Over All Over Again’’).

Kim Mitchell wants to bring good musical energy back to fair

Brett Thoms

Pontiac August 19, 2022

Canadian Rock Legend Kim Mitchell will headline the mainstage on Friday night of the fair. This performance will mark his third tour as a Shawville Fair headliner, with him and his band playing in 2012 and 2016 respectively.

“We’re extremely thrilled to be asked back to the Shawville Fair having, so transmitting some good musical energy is definitely on our agenda for those attending,” said Mitchell in an email to THE EQUITY.

After going big in the early 1980’s with songs like Patio Lanterns and Go for a Soda, Mitchell has remained a crowd drawer. Aside from the eight albums he’s made over the years, Mitchell also hosted a popular show on Toronto’s classic rock radio station Q107 from 2004 to 2015.

“Career longevity is something I’ve never tried to figure out,” wrote Mitchell. “I’m seriously thankful for the wonderful career I’ve had. I feel if your in the arts you simply enjoy the moments when your working on your craft, however long or short, on a daily basis, meaning a quick few minutes on an acoustic guitar or 30 minutes ripping it up loud in your basement studio before heading to buy groceries or writing a song over a few days or weeks is what gives an artist purpose.”

Mitchell also wrote about the great feeling he gets when he connects with an audience and creates a positive vibe in the room he is playing as another reason while he is still going at it.

“As for advice for younger musicians or simply anyone who has an instrument sitting somewhere in their house; there’s only 12 notes and they are there for absolutely anyone to enjoy at any level. Focusing on ‘making it’ will probably only bring you frustration and disappointment (not everyone makes it into the NHL). Focusing on finding your music and enjoying the process and hard work it takes to get better will bring a creative person purpose, happiness and for a small percentage, a career,” wrote Mitchell about what advice he’d give to new artists.

Mitchell and his band will play between 9:00 and 10:30 p.m on Friday, September 2 on the main stage.

Hart to play the main stage

Zainab Al-Mehdar

Shawville Aug 24, 2022

Growing up spending summers in Bristol and being surrounded by country music local musician Levi Hart, also known as Will Webb, started his first band at the age of 17. He was heavily influenced by family members and being around them he picked up a guitar and since then has loved creating music.

At the age of 25 he went on to pursue music and got a record deal and toured for quite some time, but soon enough he realized being away from his family and the challenges of being on the road all the time was starting to take away from his love of music.

About six months ago Hart decided to scale back. “I’m gonna play stuff on my terms. It was tough decision to scale it back but it was important one that I’m definitely really happy about.”

He highlighted that turning music into a job is difficult especially when you have kids and for him his family came first and his job. Although he doesn’t plan on stopping music, he enjoys playing gigs and jamming with family, he plans to continue to create but without the pressures of making it his career, he said.

“The future for me right now is not stressing about it and playing music at my speed at my level and hopefully writing some more music and playing some more shows but more importantly just enjoying life,” said Hart.

Hart plays Sunday afternoon from 1-2 p.m. on the main stage.

Sticks and Stones wants you dancing

Brett Thoms

Pontiac August 12, 2022

Sticks and Stones, a seven piece band that was formed 24 years ago in Manotick, Ontario, will hit the stage on the Friday night of the fair by opening for rock legend Kim Mitchell.

The band was founded by Ron Warwaruk, who does vocals and plays guitar for the band when he isn’t doing his day job as a real estate agent.

“There have been some changes in members over the years, but our core has now pretty well been there for 10 to 15 years at least,” said Warwaruk.

This is Sticks and Stones’ third time playing the Shawville Fair. They enjoy playing venues ranging from pubs to large outdoor concerts.

“I think the uniqueness of our band is we’ve got quite an eclectic group of people. For instance, our drummer, Kyle Gilbert, is a heavy metal drummer, our bass player, Pete Kornherr, he’s like a blues guy, I’m more of the middle of the road. The girls, Samantha Timmins and Sarah McClurg, are more country types. The keyboard guy, Craig Kennedy, he’s kind of a more of a jazzy 60s and 70s person. So there’s quite a mixture with different attitudes and I find that that’s kind of what sets us apart,” said Warwaruk about the band.

Warwaruk recruited one of his bandmates, Timmins, when she was 12 years old. After signing with the group, Timmins, now 32, has her own music endeavor called Sam Stone Music, which is a play on the Sticks and Stones band name.

Part of the eclectic character of Sticks and Stones comes from the age range between the between the members of the band, going from members in their 30s to to members in their 60s, according to Warwaruk

“The energy on stage also really sets us apart. People say we are infectious because I’m one of those guys who jumps off the stage. And I think I tried to do that last time I was in Shawville”, said Warwaruk.

Warwaruk also recalls the audience charging the stage and security having to grease the poles of the stage so people couldn’t climb them.

“I guess we drove them up the pole,’’ joked Warwaruk.

Warwaruk promises that the audience will recognize every song the band plays, and that they will also get them dancing.

“We play all the latest country, we play classic rock, new rock, new country, old country. We’ll play some Johnny Cash, Garth Brooks to Shania Twain,” said Warwaruk to give an example of what they’ll be playing.

“We will make it better than it was the last time, we are a little more experienced there now so we have a few surprises for the audience. Get them ready to party hard,” concluded Warwaruk.

Sticks and Stones will play from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m on Friday, September 2 on the main stage, opening for Kim Mitchell. They will then finish off the night in the beer tent, performing between 10:30 and 12:30 a.m.

Lorne Daley to provide Sunday afternoon entertainment

Eva Baldi

Shawville August 24 2022

Classic rock, country, and Irish tunes will be heard when Lorne Daley hits the stage at 2:30 p.m. on Sunday.

Daley is originally from Quyon and has been playing music all his life. According to his website, he began his music career entertaining his family and playing community events such as St. Patrick’s Day.

In the 1970s Daley moved to Kitchener-Waterloo, however he brought his love for playing and performing music with him. He continued to play in local venues, even performing with local bands in the Sudbury area.

When Daley returned to the Pontiac in the spring of 1986 he played alongside his band. Over the years, the group has been known by several names, however they are now called the “Ricochet Riders.”

In 1992, Daley released an album of original songs entitled All for the Love of Mom and Dad. His siblings joined him on the recording, continuing the musical traditions seen in his family.

Daley notes the energy he hopes to exude at his shows: “We play to entertain! We get everyone involved! We have a blast and so does the audience!”

Denault returns to the Fair

Brett Thoms

Pontiac August 17, 2022

Phil Denault and the Phil Denault Band will represent the Pontiac at the Shawville Fair, performing on the main stage on Sunday evening.

The Mansfield-et-Pontefract native is one of the more prominent local talents performing at the fair this year.

“I started at a young age with the Denault family, which was my dad, uncle, my brother and my sister. We were doing a lot of things when I was about 12 years old until I was about 16,” said Denault about the origins of his music career. “Then I went off to play on the road with a couple of bands across Canada.”

Deanult founded the group Rolling Thunder, which toured across the US and Canada, including playing with Shania Twain.

“I consider myself as a traditional country singer. I really love the old country, from George Jones to Garth Brooks,” said Denault about his music style.

Denualt lived in Nashville from 2003 to 2009, working for a band called Emerson Drive.

Returning to his roots in the Pontiac, Denault went on to start the Fort-Coulonge Country Music Festival in 2015, which had a successful run earlier this summer.

“We have something special in the Ottawa Valley, our own style and our own sound,” said Denault reflecting on his early musical influences “So that’s where my background is really from is playing with all these artists from the valley like Family Brown and Terry Carisse. Bobby Lalonde’s band was my biggest influence,”

Being from the Pontiac, Denault is obviously no stranger to the fair.

“The Shawville Fair is something we grew up going to,’’ he said. “The first time I played the fair I was 18 on the small stage. I mean, I’ve done a lot of shows with Emerson Drive across the US and Canada and the Shawville Fair is as close as any big concert out there. It’s like playing the grandmaster.”

Denault just released a duet album with his wife, Carole Faubert, called Heritage. He plans to perform some of his new songs, as well some rock and country from the 90s.

He and his band have played a few Facebook live shows over the course of the pandemic, though he says nothing compares to being able to get back out and perform in person.

“We missed that so much, to hear people clap or see couples getting up to dance and cuddle,‘’ Denault said about performing live. “It’s such a nice feeling to see that the message of our live music is going out again. They’re happy to see live music again and I think it’s something that people were really missing.”

Another performer playing with Denault will be Louis Schryer, an eight time Canadian Fiddle Champion and four time Grand Masters Fiddle Champion.

You can catch Denault and his band on the main stage on Sunday evening between 7:30 – 8:30 p.m on the main stage and later between 10:30 p.m and 12:30 a.m in the beer tent.

4-H auction helps youth in agriculture follow their dreams

Eva Baldi

Shawville August 24, 2022

Shawville 4-H members have been hard at work for the past few months preparing their agricultural projects for the upcoming Shawville Fair 4-H Market Steer and Lamb Auction.

Preparing an animal for the show pen and the auction is not an overnight endeavor. Participants must plan well in advance. Most of the steers in the auction were born in the spring of 2021, while most of the lambs were born this past winter. According to Reese Rusenstrom, president of the Shawville 4-H club, choosing the steer is all according to personal preference. Some participants will choose their steer because it was out of their cow, or because it was born on their farm.

Other participants, such as Rusenstrom, who do not live on a farm choose to buy an older steer project in the winter or spring.

From there, the 4-H members work at training their steer to lead calmly, something that will be important when they compete in the showmanship class.

Another major part of their preparation process is feeding their animal. By show day the participants want their animals to be considered “finished”. This means that the animals will have sufficient fat and muscle on them. Rusenstrom gives the example of the steer having a bump on their loins. This indicates to the judge that the animal, once butchered, will produce good steak.

The feeding process will lead to better placements from the judge in the conformation class, where the animal is judged on appearance. The placing in this class will determine the sale order during the auction, with first place (grand champion) being auctioned off first.

As a part of their preparation, participants did a practice evening on Thursday August 11 at Spurlane farm in Stark’s Corners, owned by Jenn and Roy Childs. Seven 4-H members came out to practice with their projects off property. This event allowed the group to see what their peers had been working on all season, while also allowing them to practice walking their animals in an environment that would be similar to the show. Reese Rusenstrom, Tyson Childs, Nick Tubman, Sheena Tubman, and Ben Judd brought their steers out for the evening and Laura Mayhew and Amy Sheppard practiced with their lambs.

During this event THE EQUITY was able to speak with some participants and their parents about the importance of the Steer and Lamb auction.

Sheena Tubman, who will be showing and selling her Angus Hereford cross steer named “Tremmer” said that the auction is important as it allows for young people in agriculture to advertise their farms and allows them to put the money from the sale to go towards growing their herds.

Rita O’Reilly, mother of Amy Sheppard, mentioned that the auction is a good way for the participants to “see that their hard work pays off.”

This year the group has made an effort to up their promotional material. They have a Facebook page introducing each participant, and having them answer questions about themselves and their ambitions for the future. According to Rusenstrom, the group also brainstormed a list of potential buyers, then hand delivered those people invitations to the auction.

Rusenstrom noted that this is useful as the auction helps the young farmers with networking. She argues that this is very important for budding farmers as building connections means that people will be more likely to offer a helping hand to up-and-coming farmers, and answer their questions when they’re starting out.

The 4-H market steer and lamb show will take place on Friday at 9 a.m., and the auction will take place on Sunday at 6 p.m.

For all other questions or inquiries about the 4-H market steer and lamb auction, you can visit their facebook page “Shawville 4-H club market sale” or speak to participants Reese Rusenstrom, Tyson Childs, Nick Tubman, Sheena Tubman, Ben Judd, Laura Mayhew, Amy Sheppard, Ewan Smith, Mason Vereyken and Felix Vereyken during the fair.