President's Message – Shawville Fair 2026
As we get ready for the 170th Shawville Fair, I can't help but feel proud. The Fair has been a big part of my family's life for over 40 years. My mom was President, my dad was President, and now I've had the chance to serve as President during this milestone year. That's something I'll always be proud of.
I know my time as President is only one small part of the Fair's 170-year history, but it's been an honour to help carry on a tradition that means so much to my family and to our community.
I have to admit, I was never the best 4-H showman growing up. I did manage to win a few steer competitions along the way, but showing cattle was never really where I made my mark. What I enjoyed most was helping behind the scenes. Whether it was setting up before the Fair or tearing everything down after it was over, I always liked being part of the team. Over the years I met a lot of lifelong friends through volunteering, and those friendships mean just as much to me as any ribbon I've ever won. That's one of the things that makes the Shawville Fair so special. It brings people together, and those memories and friendships last a lifetime.
One thing I've always believed is that if you don't keep changing, you get left behind. That's how I've always run my own business, and I think it's important for the Fair too. I don't want to change what makes the Shawville Fair special. I just want to keep making it better while respecting the traditions that got us here.
Over the last couple of years we've worked hard to improve the flow around the grounds as our crowds continue to grow. Last year we turned the beer tent and changed the layout around the food court. It worked well and gave people more room to move around and enjoy themselves. Those ideas came from great discussions with our board members and volunteers. I appreciate everyone's willingness to share ideas and work together to make the Fair better.
This year we're making another big change by moving the truck pull outside the ring. We hope it gives spectators a better view, creates more space, and keeps attracting some of the best trucks and competitors to Shawville. Another big reason for the move is to protect our horse ring. After Thursday night's truck pull, we've often had challenges getting the ring back into top shape for our horse events. By moving the truck pull outside the ring, we hope to improve the footing for our horse exhibitors while still putting on an even better truck pull for the fans. I believe it's a win for everyone.
We're also excited to bring in a brand-new lumberjack show. It'll be located where the heavy horse tent was last year and should be a great show for kids and adults alike. Trying new things keeps the Fair exciting and gives families even more to enjoy.
Another thing I'm proud of is that we've increased our entertainment budget this year. That means bigger acts and more reasons for people to spend the day at the Fair. If Mother Nature cooperates and we get good crowds, my hope is that we can continue putting money back into the Fair each year. Every successful Fair gives us another chance to reinvest and make it even better.
The Shawville Fair has also continued to invest in our community by supporting the Shawville Arena and the Pontiac Arena Fund. I hope our municipalities can continue working together to make the Shawville Arena something our whole region can be proud of again. A strong arena and a strong fairgrounds help build a stronger community.
None of this would be possible without our volunteers. Thousands of volunteer hours go into putting on the Shawville Fair every single year. I'd like to thank our directors, committee members, volunteers, sponsors, and major sponsors. Your hard work and support are the reason this Fair is still going strong after 170 years.
Finally, I'd like to thank everyone who comes through our gates each year. Whether you're showing livestock, pulling a truck, exhibiting your work, volunteering, sponsoring an event, or simply bringing your family for a fun day, you're what makes the Shawville Fair special.
My goal has always been simple: respect our traditions while making sure we're ready for the future. If we keep working together, listening to new ideas, and never stop improving, I believe the Shawville Fair will continue to grow and thrive for generations to come.
I hope to see everyone at the 170th Shawville Fair. Come out, enjoy everything we have planned, support your local Fair, and help us celebrate 170 years of agriculture, community, and tradition.
"If you build it, they will come."
#Shawvegas2026
Ralph Lang
President
Shawville Fair
