Dear Editor,
Like every other year, this year’s Shawville Fair has something for pretty much everyone. For local writers, the Pontiac Agricultural Society is hosting the fourth writing competition. In 2023, there were 21 entries across five classes. In 2025, we had 33 entries across six classes, which shows there is keen interest in this activity.
Again this year we have six classes: fiction, non-fiction, science fiction/fantasy, opinion, poetry and the writing prompt class, which has become one of the more popular. This year’s prompt is that the first sentence must be or include the phrase, “and just like that, it started”. For authors who write in French the phrase is, “et tout à coup, ça a commencé.”
In this competition, every entrant is treated equally. There are no age or language distinctions, just class divisions. The rules are quite simple: there is a 1,000-word, two-page limit on entries. A 12 pt. font and normal margins are preferred. Entries over the 1,000-word limit will be treated similarly to how the police treat speeding drivers: entries under 1,050 will be given a pass, and every 50 words above that increases the penalty by one point. So an entry of 1,200 words will receive a three-point penalty.
In an effort to easily make this assessment there is a new rule this year where the word count must be listed alongside the title of the entry. As in, “My dog Fred. 976 words.” The word count, especially one over the limit, will be used to break a tie. In the case where two pieces are tied for a prize, if one is over the limit, it loses. If both are over the limit, the one over the most loses. If there is a tie and both are under the limit, the judge will reread them and pick the winner. The penalty points will be subtracted after the judge has made his/her assessment.
Prize money is quite reasonable, with first place getting $10, second grabbing $8, and third taking home $6. Thanks again to Greg Graham from the Western Quebec Literacy Council we have a Best In Show prize of $200. The winner of the Best in Show prize will also be published in full in THE EQUITY.
All entries must be delivered in person Wednesday, Sept. 2, 2026 between 6 p.m. and 9 p.m. to the Homecraft building on the fairgrounds. The cost of entry is covered by the purchase of a membership to the Pontiac Agricultural Society or a full weekend pass for the fair.
As always I am available to answer any questions regarding the writing competition at the fair, mccann.thomas.david@gmail.com.
Tom McCann, Clarendon