CVAA Holds to Tradition with 31st Annual Show
Originally started by a group of farmers and friends interested in preserving and exhibiting antique farm machinery and household items, the Chateauguay Valley Antique Valley Association Show held its 31st annual show this past weekend from August 27th to the 28th.
This year’s theme “Wood and the Pioneers” was evident as you walked the grounds. From the leaf exhibition to the restored log cabin, one could see the important role that wood has played throughout history. This year, the event welcomed 3200 visitors, not including volunteers and exhibitors, with the weather holding out for most of the weekend.
Held at the farm of the late Leslie Rennie every year save for the first (which was held at the Huntingdon Fairgrounds), the event is one that locals look forward to every year—it is a heartfelt gathering, offering up not only the rich history of the Valley, but also serving as a reunion for many. The Rennie property is home to a series of heritage buildings that make up the heart of the show, from the J.C. Cook General Store, to the Black Church to the Log Cabin. Making for a particular focal point this year, given the forestry theme, the log cabin (believed to be one of first in Rockburn), was restored for this year’s event, under the watchful eye of Gerry Carrigan and his family. The logs were re-pointed, while a ladder was constructed to access the loft while the building’s stonework was completely restored. Taking a peek above, visitors were able to view a perfectly staged loft, likened to a time long past.
Organizers ensured that a number of demonstrations were offered up to visitors, including shingle cutting, wood sawing, corn-chopping, and threshing. As per tradition, the Lost Highway Band provided the music under the white top for the duration of the event, while the area around the pond was crowded with antique vendors and flea market treasures. Saturday kicked off with the antique consignment auction and antique tractor pull, while a pioneer-styled breakfast was served on Sunday, along with a lawn tractor pull, an antique tractor parade and the awards ceremony. This year’s winner’s included:
President’s Choice: Arnold Raymond, maple sugaring display; Best Restored Tractor: Glen Wallace, 1600 Oliver Utility tractor; Best Original Garden Tractor: Dean Morris, T63 Bush-hog; Best Restored Garden Tractor: Gilles Sabourin, Bolens ride-a-matic tractor; Best Stationary Engine Display: Famille Brault; Best Restored Truck: Jay and Melissa Douglas, 1953 Ford F100; Best Restored Car: Wayne Milne, 1963 Pontiac Convertible; Best Classic Car: Bruno Daoust, 1956 Buick Special; Best Sports Car: Luc Dupont, 1973 Triumph Spitfire; Pete Monique Memorial Award: Jim Todd, 1600 Cockshutt tractor; Lyell Graham Memorial Award: Pamela Mulderrig, doll, jewellery and children's clothes display, Ivan Graham Memorial Award: Andy Burgoyne, chainsaw display; Norma Graham Children Display: Mitchell Vaincourt, tractors and skidoo display; Mac McNaughton Memorial Award for Best Original Car: Jacques Boisvert, 1980 Firebird; Leslie Rennie Memorial Trophy for Best in Show: Carolyn Cameron, Jenny, Amanda and Gerry Carrigan, Log Cabin display; M.K.M Chateauguay Valley Implement Trophy: Gordon Lang, wood lathe and Doug Lang, spike harrows.
“The Chateauguay Valley Antique Association's aim is to increase awareness and preserve our rural culture and agricultural past. CVAA members and hard-working volunteers through the years have created a show that continues to grow and develop while preserving our pioneer heritage for future generations,” explained local Pearl Fennell. In addition to the annual show, the CVAA is involved in a number of other events throughout the year, including the fast-approaching Plow Day in September.