Glen Hartle, reporter

Funded by the Local Journalism Initiative

Pride is all about making the world a better place. While its roots may be from a more complicated and existential time, it continues to champion identity, inclusion and equality across the entire spectrum of humanity. The Pontiac Pride group has been around, unofficially, for a few years and has been making strides for a stronger community presence with a broad range of social-oriented activities and events.
Slightly longer in the tooth than Pride, The Lions Club is all about making the world a better place too and has long been considered as one of the best that community has to offer through its more than 46,000 clubs worldwide. Its motto is “We Serve” and there is ample indication that the Shawville version, which has been around since 1949, is living up to both its mandate and reputation.
Together, they partnered and invited the community with open arms this past Saturday to join in a first-of-its-kind Pontiac Pride Square Dance.
“Our end goal is for there not to be a need for a Pride group. For there to be no difference between gay and straight couples, and trans people, and that we can all just go to events and not be worried about it,” event organizer and Pontiac Pride member Emma Judd said.
She said she believed a Pontiac Pride square dancing event was the perfect opportunity to get everybody out, “so we can be a little more out and proud.”
The event invitation was pretty open. “Come as you are and everyone’s welcome. Folks who have been dancing for years and those who don’t even know what a square dance is. You’re all invited,” the Facebook invite read.
And? The community responded, and how.
Those who arrived late to the dance were greeted by audible enjoyment from the Lions Club Hall situated on the top floor of the Shawville Arena. Audible is an understatement as it was more akin to a rollicking party where the more than 60 attendees, ranging in age from 3 to 85, made clear their enthusiasm and delight.
The hall was bedazzled in lights and decor, with evidence of just who was hosting the event at every turn. In a modern show of inclusion, there was signage making sure that gender was understood to be at the heart of identity, an undeniable and unquestionable truth and, as such, this was a space made for all. Pride Pontiac members Julianne Dooks, Emma Judd, Will Bastien, Christine Rieux, Ashley Sutton, Greg Goyette and Darlene Pashak all played welcoming committee, usher and host ensuring everyone had a place at the heart of this event.
Justin Bertrand on fiddle with Andrew Jones and Marie Chapet on guitar were ready with their musical instruments, and callers Paul Bertrand, Scott Judd and Tyler McCann were all set to call the steps. Lions members Robert St-Amour, Eric Smith and Steve Sutton had the bar up and running, and the dance floor was clear. The stage was set.
Square dancing has history in the area and has been around for generations. The callers at the event were testament to that as Paul Bertrand learned calling from his father, Alexander Bertrand, a well-known caller in his day who called regularly at the Lions Club in Bryson as well as at countless weddings and other community events. Scott Judd learned from his father, Chris Judd, who learned from his father Louis Judd. Tyler McCann learned the ropes from his own time as a leader in the 4-H Club and now helps guide the club as coach and caller. That’s quite a litany and all at one event.
Event mastermind Emma Judd remembers fondly her own experiences with square dancing through the 4-H Club as she was growing up and, together with fellow 4-H alumni Will Bastien, she brought the idea to life.

“This was a perfect mix for me of something that is super traditionally straight couples dancing, but it’s also become such a non-gendered dance as well,” Judd explained, recalling how when she was first getting into square dancing through 4-H there were never enough boys to play the male role in the dance, so young girls would take that on.
In keeping with that heritage, members of the local 4-H club were invited to show the gathered just how square dancing was supposed to be done, and a gaggle of young would-be experts were happy to lead the way. With McCann calling, they showcased the many moves of square dancing that were to follow including do-si-dos, promenades, elbow swings, dips and spins. Their energy was effusive.
Following some initial easing into things, Scott Judd took the mic and things really started to roll. But not before he took a moment to express just how amazing it was to see so many people. “When was the last time there were four squares at a Shawville dance?” he exclaimed.
From there, the band played spirited music, the callers directed the action, boots and shoes scooted across the floor, laughter was in the air and the dance floor came alive.
For many, the appeal of the event lay in getting out with a group known to be inclusive and, for others, it was finally a chance to square dance after covid threw a wrench into things. And for yet others, it was just an occasion to get out and have a great time. Whatever their reasons, all seemed to endorse Pride Pontiac’s invitation for an “incredibly fun evening to ward off those February blues” and whether volunteer, spectator or participant, joy was unanimous.
For Emma Judd and her crew: “It was an incredible night and for it to be such an inclusive and accepting space was awesome. We can’t wait to host another one.”