About the Fair

A Loyalist Township Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Rural Heritage & Community Pride

The Lansdowne Fair, hosted by the Lansdowne Agricultural Society, is one of Eastern Ontario’s strongest representations of rural heritage and community spirit. Rooted in more than a century of tradition, the fair reflects the agricultural foundations of the Lansdowne area and the long-standing contributions of farm families who helped shape the region.

A Fair with Deep 19th-Century Roots

The Lansdowne Fair traces its beginnings to the late 1800s, when farmers and settlers across the Township of Leeds sought ways to share knowledge, encourage excellence, and celebrate rural accomplishments. Lansdowne, already a growing farming and service community, became a natural gathering place.

These early fairs were modest but vital. Livestock, grain, vegetables, homecrafts, and handmade goods filled the exhibition areas, offering local families a chance to showcase their skills and strengthen community bonds. Those early gatherings laid the foundation for a fair that still honours its agricultural roots today.

A Celebration of Agricultural Excellence

Agriculture lies at the heart of the Lansdowne Fair. Generations of farm families have exhibited their best dairy cattle, beef cattle, sheep, poultry, and small livestock, demonstrating the dedication, knowledge, and care that define rural life in this part of Ontario.

Homecraft and domestic arts have long been important components as well. Exhibits featuring:

• Quilting and sewing
• Baking and preserves
• Photography and floral arrangements
• Woodworking and crafts
• Youth entries and junior categories

…showcase the creativity and craftsmanship passed down through local families. These displays tell the story of rural living—its traditions, its ingenuity, and its pride.

Youth Involvement at the Heart of the Fair

Young people have always been an essential part of the Lansdowne Fair. Through 4-H clubs, school projects, and junior exhibitions, youth learn valuable skills while gaining a sense of accomplishment and connection to their rural community.

Many adults who volunteer or exhibit today first participated in the fair as children—proof of how the fair helps nurture the next generation of agricultural leaders and community builders.

Kept Alive by Dedicated Volunteers

The Lansdowne Fair would not exist without the ongoing commitment of volunteers from the Lansdowne Agricultural Society. Their dedication, planning, organizing, preparing exhibits, coordinating judging, and preserving traditions, is the backbone of the fair’s longevity and success.

These volunteers often represent multi-generational involvement, highlighting the deep roots the fair has in the surrounding community. Their work ensures the fair remains meaningful, welcoming, and reflective of local heritage.

A Mirror of Lansdowne’s Rural Identity

Lansdowne is a community built on agriculture, small-town values, and strong neighbourly connections. The fair reflects these qualities in every aspect:

• Respect for farming traditions
• Celebration of rural craftsmanship
• Youth leadership and involvement
• Volunteer spirit
• Pride in community history

Through these pillars, the Lansdowne Fair stands as a living expression of the community’s character and values.

About the Community

Lansdowne, Ontario: A Friendly Rural Village with Deep Roots & Timeless Charm

Located in the heart of Leeds and the Thousand Islands, Lansdowne, Ontario is a welcoming rural village where heritage, community pride, and country living come together in an atmosphere that feels relaxing, authentic, and full of character. Though modest in size, Lansdowne is rich in history and surrounded by some of the most picturesque countryside in Eastern Ontario.

A Village Shaped by Early Settlers & Loyalist Roots

Lansdowne’s history dates back to the early 1800s, when Loyalist settlers and early pioneers began establishing farms, mills, churches, and businesses throughout the township. With fertile lands, abundant forest resources, and a location along key travel routes, the village grew into an important service centre for surrounding rural families.

Historic buildings, farmhouses, churches, general stores, and old civic structures, still reflect this early period of development and contribute to the village’s warm, heritage-rich atmosphere.

A Countryside Full of Beauty & Rural Life

Lansdowne is surrounded by classic Eastern Ontario landscapes:

• Rolling farmland
• Woodlots and historic homesteads
• Heritage barns
• Quiet concession roads
• Fields of corn, hay, and small grains

The countryside is perfect for leisurely drives, photography, cycling, and rural exploration. Seasonal beauty, spring blossoms, summer greens, autumn colours, and winter stillness, gives the area a timeless charm.

The village’s proximity to the Thousand Islands and the St. Lawrence River adds to its appeal, offering a blend of rural living and scenic shoreline beauty that draws visitors from across the region.

A Community Built on Connection & Tradition

Lansdowne is known for its friendly residents, supportive community groups, and active volunteer culture. Local organizations, service clubs, churches, and neighbourhood committees work together to host events, beautify public spaces, and support local initiatives.

It is a place where neighbours look out for one another, and where community life thrives through seasonal events, gatherings, and local traditions. Newcomers quickly find themselves welcomed into village life.

Heritage & Heart in the Village Centre

The heart of Lansdowne features heritage storefronts, local businesses, community facilities, and gathering spaces that help maintain the village’s small-town character. Community halls and parks host events throughout the year, reinforcing the strong social ties that define the region.

Local shops, artisans, cafés, and small businesses contribute to the charm and identity of the village.

Agriculture at the Foundation

Farming remains central to the life and identity of Lansdowne. Multi-generation family farms produce:

• Dairy and beef
• Hay and cash crops
• Vegetables and small-scale produce
• Maple syrup and rural goods

This agricultural heritage influences everything from the landscape to community values and traditions. It is proudly celebrated each year at the Lansdowne Fair.

A Natural Match for the Lansdowne Fair

The fair reflects the village’s strongest qualities:

• Pride in heritage
• Agricultural roots
• Strong youth involvement
• Creativity and craftsmanship
• A powerful volunteer tradition

Together, the village and the fair highlight what makes Lansdowne special: a close-knit community with deep rural character and a shared respect for local history.

A Village That Welcomes You Back

Whether exploring the countryside, learning about local heritage, visiting the fair, or simply enjoying the peaceful charm of village life, Lansdowne offers a sense of warmth and authenticity that leaves a lasting impression.

It is a place where history lives proudly, community matters, and rural traditions continue to thrive.