There was lots of water and therefore a whole lot of mud. Despite all that, the crowds filed into the Chateauguay Valley Antique Association’s (CVAA) 37th annual show at Rennie’s Farm on the First Concession in Rockburn. On Saturday, August 25, approximately 2,600 people came through the gate, and on Sunday, another estimated 1000 people visited.
At the entranceway to the grounds, water flowed to form a waterfall across the field. “The water was right over the pond,” says Rene Labelle, who oversaw the equipment display, though he seemed to be the man overseeing many parts of the show. “We couldn’t put the bridge up until this [Saturday] morning,” Labelle laments.
The record-breaking rainfall that flooded much of the Valley the previous week filled most of the front field where the flea market was usually situated; therefore, the market stalls were relocated to the back field.
The flea market was not the only part of the show affected by the rain. “It was touch-and-go that we would have the tractor pull, as the field needed to dry out,” reports Labelle. But the show did go on, with tractors of all sizes hauling immense blocks of concrete down the course.
The entrance fee was higher this year at $10, but the CVAA donates a percentage to various charities – usually the Betty Riel Foundation and the Children’s Hospital, or “in that direction,” says Labelle.
The displays
On both Saturday and Sunday, exhibits of classic cars, engines, snowmobiles, tractors, and various agricultural equipment and tools were on display in a side field. “The turnout of cars was impressive, and the Model-T club arrived around twelve,” says Labelle. Museum exhibits in the church, the dressmaker’s shop, the schoolhouse, the general store, and the nineteenth-century log cabin were open on both days. Volunteers dressed in costumes reminiscent of the times were available to answer questions or give demonstrations. Carolyn Cameron and Jenny Carrigan were situated in the log cabin where, on Saturday, Cameron was attempting to churn butter. “It wasn’t working,” laughs Labelle. Upon returning to the task on Sunday, she finally had success.
The music
This year live music returned to the show at night under the big tent. Noah Tolhurst performed folk and bluegrass music to a small crowd. He also sang some children’s songs. “It was fun for those who were there,” says Labelle.
On Sunday morning, the big tent was again filled with music as Stewart Burrows along with Rockburn Presbyterian Church’s Chenaniah Band celebrated a “pioneer service.” A crowd of 30 people participated in the service while the good smells of breakfasts cooking in the food trucks wafted over the field. A variety of food was available all weekend; ice cream was served up by Franklin Elementary School, and the 4-H Club sold corn. Marie Shewchuk of the Herdman General Store was also there to serve up different foods.
Labelle was very happy with the turn out. He wanted to thank all the volunteers: “A small amount of people put in a lot of time to keep things rolling.”