Parade shakes up Shawville

CALEB NICKERSON
SHAWVILLE April 29, 2020
Despite the dreary weather, a parade of vehicles snaked its way through Shawville on April 29 with the aim of brightening the spirits of the townsfolk.
The idea originated with local police Sgt. Yves Martineau, who said that his goal was to provide some entertainment for local residents who have been cooped up in their homes for the past month and a half. Observers and participants in the parade were told to make some noise with pots, pans or whatever contraption they could lay their hands on.
“I honestly think it was a success,” Martineau said. “I noticed that a lot of old people by themselves … they live alone, they were all outside, so I think it was good.”
“The idea was to bring some positive spirit, energy, in Shawville because it’s a ghost town,” he added.
Over 30 vehicles, from firetrucks to ATVs to a schoolbus, took part in the parade, which started on chemin John Dale and wound through many residential streets in town. Several local officials, including Pontiac MP Will Amos, MNA André Fortin and Warden Jane Toller took part as well.
Martineau previously organized a tribute to essential workers on April 6 that stopped by the hospital and local grocery stores. He said that he didn’t have any problems putting this most recent event together.
“I organized everything in three hours,” he said. “I went around and asked people, and everybody said yes.”
Martineau added that the response from the town has been positive, but said that he would leave it up to someone else to host events in the future.
“No, I think I did my share, twice,” he said. “I think somebody can grab the lead and do something else, because it’s a lot of work.”