Papa makes good on his word
Glen Hartle
shawville August 31, 2023
Russell Mackay made good on his commitment to both walk and raise funds for the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario (CHEO). Starting out on August 27, he began his journey in Portage du Fort and on Thursday, August 31 he was piped into the arena at the Shawville Fair as a part of the official opening day ceremonies. (See the August 30 issue of The Equity for more on his story)
85-year-old Russell completed 50 kms of walking through various communities over 5 days and in the process raised over $26,000 for CHEO. When combined with the funds he generated during his walk of 2020, his total rises to almost $150,000, and he has set that as his new and revised goal for fundraising activities.
The audience in the arena was appreciative of both the effort and results and offered Russell a standing ovation as he marched into the arena to the familiar tune of Scotland the Brave played by the Renfrew Highland Pipes & Drums.
Crowd favourite truck and tractor pull returns to fair
Glen Hartle
Shawville August 31, 2023
A crowd favourite helped kick off the Shawville Fair on Thursday evening with the Truck and Tractor Pull. Wannabe enthusiasts combined with veteran pull specialists provided for an exciting and ear-popping display of muscle and finesse. Unless you arrived early, you were not going to get anywhere near the rail to get a good view – this event was chockablock.
As is the case with these events, successes are celebrated as are all attempts, even those ending in mechanical trauma. Entrant Jesse Gabie saw his Chevrolet 4×4 limp off centre stage to supportive applause in what some friends consider must have been a bit of a jocular Hail Mary on his part.
