About the Fair

A Loyalist Township Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Heritage & Community Connection

The Centreville Fair, operated by the Centreville Agricultural Society, is one of Lennox & Addington County’s most enduring rural celebrations. Rooted in more than a century of agricultural history, the fair continues to honour the farm families, traditions, and community spirit that define Centreville and the surrounding countryside.

A Fair with Loyalist-Era Foundations

The Centreville Fair traces its beginnings to the late 1800s, when agricultural societies across the region began organizing exhibitions to strengthen farming knowledge and build community ties. Loyalist Township, then a collection of farming hamlets, churches, mills, and homesteads, was an ideal location for such a gathering.

Farm families came together to share their best livestock, field crops, and homecrafts, reinforcing the values of cooperation, pride, and rural achievement. These early exhibitions helped shape a fair that remains deeply meaningful to the community today.

Agriculture at the Heart of the Tradition

Agriculture continues to be the foundation of the Centreville Fair. The area’s multi-generation farms have long exhibited:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, goats, and poultry
• Small livestock
• Field crops, grain, and forage
• Garden produce and rural handiwork

These exhibits showcase the skills, dedication, and agricultural knowledge that define rural life in Lennox & Addington County.

The homecraft divisions are equally significant, featuring quilting, preserves, baking, sewing, woodworking, floriculture, photography, and youth entries. Many families proudly participate year after year, preserving traditions passed down through generations.

Youth Learning & Rural Skills

Youth involvement has always been a central element of the Centreville Fair. Through 4-H clubs, junior fair classes, and school exhibits, young people gain experience in:

• Animal handling and care
• Domestic and creative arts
• Agricultural literacy
• Responsibility and teamwork
• Leadership within their communities

These programs ensure that the next generation remains connected to the agricultural heritage that shaped the region.

Driven by Volunteer Spirit

The Centreville Agricultural Society and its volunteers are the backbone of the fair. Their commitment, organizing competitions, preparing facilities, preserving records, and encouraging participation, ensures the fair remains a strong, relevant, and cherished part of local life.

Many of these volunteers represent families that have been involved in the fair for decades, demonstrating the enduring pride and tradition that keep the event thriving.

A Reflection of Centreville’s Rural Identity

The Centreville Fair mirrors the qualities that define the community:

• Agricultural roots
• Craftsmanship and creativity
• Strong youth involvement
• Deep volunteer commitment
• A close-knit rural spirit

The fair stands as one of the most authentic expressions of local identity within Loyalist Township.

A Tradition That Endures

Even as rural life evolves, the Centreville Fair continues to honour the people, skills, and traditions that built the community. It remains a cherished annual celebration, linking past and present through agriculture, craftsmanship, and community pride.

About the Community

Centreville, Ontario: A Friendly Rural Hamlet Rooted in Heritage, Agriculture & Loyalist Pride

Located in the heart of Loyalist Township, Centreville, Ontario is a peaceful rural community shaped by agricultural traditions, early Loyalist settlement, and a strong spirit of neighbourly cooperation. Though modest in size, Centreville embodies the very best of small-town life—friendly residents, quiet countryside, and a deep sense of heritage.

A Community Built on Loyalist Settlement

Centreville’s roots reach back to the late 18th and early 19th centuries, when United Empire Loyalists established farms and homesteads throughout the region following the American Revolution. These early settlers cleared land, built barns and homes, and developed a network of rural communities that became the foundation of modern Lennox & Addington County.

The area grew around agriculture, milling, blacksmithing, and local trades. Churches, schoolhouses, general stores, and community halls helped the community flourish, creating a culture of cooperation and shared effort that still defines Centreville today.

A Quiet Countryside of Farms, Fields & Heritage

Centreville is surrounded by a scenic rural landscape that reflects generations of farming tradition. The region features:

• Dairy and beef farms
• Hay and forage fields
• Corn and soybean crops
• Rolling farmland and woodlots
• Heritage barns and family homesteads
• Quiet concession roads perfect for country drives

The landscape changes dramatically with the seasons—from planting to harvest—and offers a peaceful setting that captures the essence of rural Ontario.

A Close-Knit Community with Deep Roots

Centreville is a community where families often know one another across generations. Volunteerism is strong, and residents are quick to lend a hand at local gatherings, community improvements, fundraising events, and township initiatives.

This strong sense of belonging is part of what makes Centreville such a welcoming place to live and visit.

A Hamlet with Rural Character

Although small, Centreville is rich in history and rural charm. Local institutions, churches, schools, meeting halls, and community groups, play a significant role in shaping village life. Many long-standing families continue to maintain farms, businesses, and properties handed down through generations.

The hamlet’s calm, unhurried pace contributes to its appeal, offering a sense of tranquility that’s increasingly rare in modern life.

Agricultural Heritage at the Centre of Community Life

Agriculture has shaped Centreville from its earliest days and continues to influence its identity today. Multi-generation farm operations remain a cornerstone of the local landscape, contributing to the region’s economy, community events, and seasonal rhythms.

This agricultural heritage is celebrated each year at the Centreville Fair, an enduring symbol of the community’s pride, unity, and rural culture.

A Perfect Partner to the Centreville Fair

The fair reflects the values that make Centreville unique:

• A strong agricultural tradition
• Creativity expressed through homecrafts
• Youth learning and leadership
• Multi-generation participation
• Volunteer-driven community spirit

Together, the hamlet and its fair tell a story of heritage, perseverance, and community connection.

A Community That Feels Like Home

Whether exploring the quiet backroads, connecting with long-time residents, or celebrating long-standing traditions like the Centreville Fair, the community offers a warm and memorable rural experience.

Centreville is a place where heritage is honoured, where agriculture shapes identity, and where community pride shines through in every season.

🌾 Explore Nearby Agritourism Experiences

Visitors attending the Centreville Fair may also enjoy exploring nearby agritourism experiences and attractions in Lennox and Addington County and Southeastern Ontario.

• Napanee Farmers’ Market – Napanee – a community market offering fresh produce, baked goods, and locally produced foods
• MacKinnon Brothers Brewing Company – Bath area – a popular farm-based brewery offering local beverages and events
• L&A County Museum & Archives – Napanee – a museum showcasing the history and heritage of the region
• Dark Sky Viewing Area – Lennox & Addington – a unique rural destination known for stargazing and night sky experiences

Some nearby experiences include links to additional Ontario Agritourism Showcase pages with more visitor information.

Visitors interested in Ontario agricultural fairs may also enjoy exploring events such as the Napanee Fair and the Shannonville World’s Fair, each celebrating the farming traditions and community heritage of Southeastern Ontario.