SHAWVILLE – The COVID-19 pandemic has claimed its first fall fair.

Volunteer organizers have cancelled the 2020 Shawville Fair due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“It has been announced by the Ministère de l’Agriculture, des Pêcheries et de l’Alimentation du Québec (MAPAQ) that all gathering related to agriculture have been cancelled for 2020,” Pontiac Agriculture Society President Charleen Moore released in a statement yesterday (April 10).

This includes fairs, youth competitions, bread picnics and other large gatherings in an effort to reduce the spread of COVID-19.

“It is with heavy heats the board of directors must inform you that we will be cancelling the 2020 Shawville Fair,” Moore said. “The cancellation of the fair is not done lightly. This decision is made by the need to keep our fair visitors, exhibitors and volunteers safe. We prefer to see everyone safe for our 2021 Shawville Fair.”

The Shawville Fair is usually held Labour Day weekend. This year was supposed to be its 164th year.

“May you and your families stay safe,” Moore said. “Together we will beat this. We look forward to seeing you in 2021 at the Valley’s most family friendly fair.”