About the Fair

A Pontiac County Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Pride Since 1856

The Expo Shawville Fair, presented by the Shawville Agricultural Society, is one of the oldest and most respected rural exhibitions in Quebec. Founded in 1856, it continues to honour agricultural heritage, homecraft creativity, and the deep community spirit that defines Shawville and the wider Pontiac region.

A Fair Rooted in Pioneer Farming Traditions

The Shawville Fair began when agricultural societies across the Ottawa Valley, on both sides of the river, were forming to support local farmers, encourage agricultural improvement, and bring isolated rural communities together. With its strong farming base and energetic settler population, Shawville was an ideal place to host an annual fair.

Early fairs featured livestock judging, field crop competitions, produce displays, and demonstrations of essential rural skills. These gatherings helped build relationships across the Pontiac, strengthen agricultural practices, and celebrate the hard work of local families.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Fair

Agriculture remains the foundation of the Expo Shawville Fair. Exhibitors from throughout the region showcase:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, vegetables, hay, and grain
• Woodworking, rural craftsmanship, and traditional farm skills

These displays highlight the resilience and dedication of farming families whose work has shaped the Pontiac for generations.

Homecraft competitions, including preserves, baking, quilting, sewing, knitting, floriculture, photography, and junior crafts, are a treasured part of the fair, celebrating the domestic arts and creativity that flourish in rural communities.

Youth Participation & Generational Pride

Youth involvement is one of the defining strengths of the Shawville Fair. Through 4-H clubs, junior categories, school projects, and agricultural education initiatives, local youth gain:

• Leadership skills
• Agricultural awareness
• Practical and creative abilities
• Community involvement
• A strong connection to heritage

Many families have participated in the fair for decades, some since its earliest years, making generational continuity a core part of its identity.

Strengthened by Volunteers & Community Support

The Shawville Agricultural Society and its dedicated volunteers ensure the fair remains vibrant and meaningful. Their year-round work, organizing committees, maintaining facilities, supporting exhibitors, and preserving history, reflects the deep sense of community pride found throughout the Pontiac.

A Celebration of Rural Pontiac Identity

The fair embodies the region’s strongest values:

• Agricultural excellence
• Homecraft traditions
• Youth engagement
• Volunteer leadership
• Multigenerational participation
• Community togetherness

These qualities have kept the Expo Shawville Fair thriving as one of Quebec’s most respected agricultural exhibitions.

A Tradition That Endures

Through generations of change, the Expo Shawville Fair remains a proud celebration of agriculture, heritage, and rural community spirit, linking Shawville’s past with its bright and enduring future.

About the Community

Shawville, Quebec: A Proud Pontiac County Village Rooted in Farmland, Heritage & Rural Community Spirit

Located in the beautiful Pontiac region of western Quebec, Shawville is a warm and welcoming rural village known for its strong agricultural roots, distinct Anglo-Quebec heritage, and deep sense of community pride. With rolling farmland, historic streets, and a vibrant local culture, Shawville stands as one of the most recognizable rural communities in the Ottawa Valley.

A Village with Deep Farming & Cultural Roots

Shawville traces its origins to the mid-19th century, when settlers of predominantly Irish and Scottish heritage established farms, churches, mills, and early enterprises. Agriculture quickly became the foundation of village life, supported by fertile soil, a growing population, and strong community spirit.

Over time, Shawville developed a unique cultural identity, an English-speaking village within predominantly French-speaking Quebec, making it a fascinating blend of tradition, rural character, and regional pride.

A Scenic Rural Landscape of Fields & Valley Beauty

The area surrounding Shawville is rich with classic Pontiac scenery:

• Wide-open farmland and long-standing family farms
• Rolling hills and rural pastures
• Woodlots and natural corridors
• Quiet concession roads and scenic routes
• Views stretching across the Ottawa Valley

The landscape contributes to Shawville’s peaceful charm and reinforces its agricultural identity.

A Community Known for Its Warmth & Togetherness

Shawville is a community where neighbours know one another, volunteers keep traditions alive, and residents actively support local initiatives. The village thrives through:

• Agricultural organizations
• Community halls and heritage groups
• Youth sports and school programs
• Local service clubs
• Seasonal festivals and community celebrations

This spirit of cooperation and friendliness defines everyday life in Shawville.

A Strong Heritage Presence

Shawville preserves its heritage through:

• Historic homes and early-family properties
• Century-old churches and community buildings
• Longstanding rural businesses
• Local traditions passed down through generations

These elements give the village its rich character and deep sense of continuity.

Agriculture Remains a Cornerstone of Community Life

Despite modern growth, agriculture remains at the heart of Shawville. The region supports:

• Dairy and beef farming
• Hay, grain, and field crops
• Mixed livestock operations
• Rural craftsmanship and homestead traditions

This agricultural strength is celebrated annually at the Expo Shawville Fair, one of the village’s most beloved traditions.

A Natural Companion to the Expo Shawville Fair

The fair reflects the community’s strongest qualities:

• Rural heritage
• Youth involvement
• Generational participation
• Volunteer dedication
• Homecraft excellence
• A deep sense of community identity

Together, Shawville and its fair form a complete story of rural life in the Pontiac.

A Community Where Heritage, Heart & Rural Pride Thrive

Whether exploring country roads, connecting with welcoming residents, or celebrating long-standing traditions like the Expo Shawville Fair, Shawville offers a memorable rural Quebec experience, rooted in history, heart, and enduring community pride.

🌾 Explore Nearby Agritourism Experiences

Visitors attending Expo Shawville may also enjoy exploring nearby agritourism experiences and attractions in the Pontiac and Ottawa Valley regions.

• Shawville Farmers’ Market – Shawville – a community market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and locally produced foods
• Pontiac Country Market – Fort-Coulonge area – a regional market featuring farm products and artisan goods
• Ottawa River Waterfront – Pontiac Region – scenic riverside areas popular for boating, fishing, and sightseeing
• Little Red Wagon Winery – Clarendon area – a local winery offering tastings and rural experiences

Some nearby experiences include links to additional agritourism and rural tourism experiences throughout the Ottawa Valley region.

Visitors interested in agricultural fairs in the Ottawa Valley region may also enjoy exploring events such as the Carp Fair, the Metcalfe Fair, and the Almonte Fair, each celebrating the farming traditions and rural heritage of Eastern Ontario and Western Québec.