About the Exhibition
A Kawartha Lakes Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Pride Since 1854
The Lindsay Exhibition, affectionately known as the LEX, is one of Ontario’s most historic and significant agricultural fairs. Presented by the Lindsay Agricultural Society, the exhibition has been a cornerstone of Kawartha Lakes life since 1854, bringing together farm families, community members, and visitors for more than 170 years.
A Fair Rooted in Pioneer Settlement & Regional Development
The Lindsay Exhibition began during a period when early settlers were establishing farms, mills, and towns along the Scugog and Kawartha waterways. Agricultural societies played a vital role in supporting these new communities by helping farmers improve livestock, share techniques, and build strong local networks.
Early exhibitions featured livestock judging, grain and produce competitions, needlework and quilting, preserves, and displays of essential homesteading skills, foundational traditions still preserved today.
Agriculture at the Heart of the Lindsay Exhibition
Agriculture remains the cornerstone of the LEX, proudly represented through a wide range of exhibits and competitions, including:
- Dairy and beef cattle
- Sheep, goats, poultry, and horse competitions
- Field crops, grain, hay, vegetables, and garden produce
- Rural crafts, woodworking, and traditional homesteading displays
These exhibits celebrate the expertise, resilience, and dedication of generations of farm families across Kawartha Lakes and the surrounding regions.
The homecraft and domestic arts divisions, baking, preserves, sewing, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, arts, and junior categories, showcase the creativity and craftsmanship that enrich rural life.
Youth Engagement & Generational Strength
Youth participation is a defining element of the Lindsay Exhibition. Through 4-H shows, junior competitions, school exhibits, and agricultural education programs, young people develop:
- Leadership and confidence
- Hands-on farm and domestic skills
- Creativity and problem-solving
- Agricultural literacy
- Community involvement and pride
Generational participation, where parents, children, and grandparents all contribute, remains one of the exhibition’s greatest strengths.
Driven by Volunteers & Community Leadership
The Lindsay Agricultural Society, supported by dedicated volunteers, works year-round to preserve and promote this long-standing event. Their efforts, organizing exhibits, welcoming exhibitors, maintaining fairgrounds, and celebrating community heritage, reflect the spirit and determination that define the LEX.
A Celebration of Kawartha Lakes’ Rural Identity
The Lindsay Exhibition highlights the region’s most enduring values:
- Agricultural excellence
- Homecraft creativity
- Youth involvement
- Volunteer leadership
- Generational continuity
- Community pride
A Tradition That Endures
More than a century and a half after its founding, the Lindsay Exhibition remains a beloved annual celebration, honouring agricultural heritage, creative spirit, and the community ties that continue to enrich Lindsay and the wider Kawartha Lakes region.
About the Community
Lindsay, Ontario: A Welcoming Kawartha Lakes Community Where Heritage, Riverfront Charm & Rural Spirit Meet
Located in the heart of the City of Kawartha Lakes, Lindsay is a vibrant and historic community known for its scenic riverfront, lively main street, cultural amenities, and strong connection to surrounding farmland. As a regional hub, Lindsay blends small-town warmth with thriving local commerce and deep rural roots.
A Community Shaped by Waterways, Milling & Early Industry
Lindsay’s history began along the Scugog River, where mills, shops, and early farms supported growing settlement in the 1800s. The arrival of the railway transformed the town into a key centre for trade, transportation, and agricultural development throughout the Kawarthas.
Historic storefronts, heritage homes, and preserved streetscapes continue to reflect the community’s rich past.
A Landscape of River Trails, Farmland & Natural Beauty
The Lindsay area is defined by a balance of natural and rural features:
- The scenic Scugog River
- Victoria Rail Trail networks
- Rolling farmland and open fields
- Wooded areas and conservation lands
- Peaceful country roads and pastoral views
These surroundings enrich both community life and recreation.
A Community Known for Culture, Local Enterprise & Strong Involvement
Residents of Lindsay proudly support:
- Arts venues, galleries, and cultural programming
- Local shops, eateries, and historic downtown businesses
- Recreation centres, sports programs, and youth groups
- Agricultural organizations and rural heritage groups
- Seasonal festivals and long-loved traditions
This shared involvement fosters Lindsay’s welcoming and dynamic atmosphere.
Heritage Preserved Through Generations
Lindsay honours its past through:
- Heritage buildings and restored landmarks
- Community archives and historical societies
- Multi-generational family businesses
- Traditions rooted in rural and riverfront living
These elements strengthen the community’s sense of identity.
Agriculture Remains a Vital Part of Local Life
The surrounding region continues to support a strong agricultural economy, including:
- Dairy and beef farms
- Cash crop operations
- Mixed livestock operations
- Market gardens and local food producers
This agricultural foundation is proudly showcased each year at the Lindsay Exhibition, one of Ontario’s most significant rural fairs.
A Natural Companion to the Lindsay Exhibition
Together, Lindsay and its exhibition highlight:
- Rural heritage
- Cultural and agricultural pride
- Youth engagement
- Homecraft traditions
- Volunteer leadership
- Community unity
A Community Where Riverfront Charm, Heritage & Rural Roots Flourish
Whether strolling along the river, exploring historic downtown streets, visiting nearby farms, or celebrating beloved traditions like the Lindsay Exhibition, Lindsay offers a warm and memorable Kawartha Lakes experience, where heritage, natural beauty, and community spirit come together seamlessly.
