About the Fair

A Temiskaming Shores Tradition Celebrating Agriculture, Homecraft & Community Spirit Since 1903

The New Liskeard Fall Fair, proudly hosted by the New Liskeard Agricultural Society, has been a hallmark of life in Temiskaming Shores since 1903. For more than 120 years, the fair has brought together rural families, town residents, and visitors from across northeastern Ontario to celebrate agricultural excellence, homecraft creativity, and the strong community spirit that defines the Temiskaming region.

A Fair Rooted in Farming, Settlement & Northern Growth

The fair began when New Liskeard was a young but thriving agricultural frontier community. The region’s fertile clay belt attracted settlers, dairy farmers, and homesteaders who quickly built a vibrant rural economy. Agricultural societies were essential to early northern life, helping farmers improve livestock, share knowledge, and strengthen social bonds.

Early fairs featured dairy cattle judging, grain exhibits, vegetables, preserves, quilts, sewing, and demonstrations of practical homesteading skills. These traditions remain at the heart of the fair today.

Agriculture at the Heart of the New Liskeard Fall Fair

Agriculture continues to anchor the fair, proudly showcased through a wide range of exhibits:

• Dairy and beef cattle
• Sheep, swine, poultry, and small livestock
• Field crops, grain, hay, vegetables, and garden produce
• Woodworking, rural crafts, and homesteading displays

These exhibits reflect the dedication and expertise of farm families who have shaped Temiskaming’s agricultural identity for generations.

The homecraft divisions, including preserves, baking, sewing, quilting, knitting, floriculture, photography, arts, and junior entries, highlight the creativity and domestic traditions that enrich northern rural life.

Youth Participation & Generational Continuity

The New Liskeard Fall Fair has long placed emphasis on youth involvement. Through 4-H clubs, school exhibits, junior categories, and agriculture-focused learning opportunities, young participants develop:

• Leadership and teamwork
• Practical farm and homecraft skills
• Creativity and confidence
• Agricultural literacy
• A sense of community belonging

Generational participation, where multiple generations exhibit or volunteer, helps keep the fair vibrant and meaningful.

Driven by Volunteers & Community Dedication

The New Liskeard Agricultural Society, supported by an exceptional network of volunteers, works tirelessly to organize the fair. Their commitment, maintaining fairgrounds, coordinating divisions, assisting exhibitors, and celebrating local heritage, reflects the strong community spirit that has always defined New Liskeard.

 

A Celebration of Temiskaming’s Rural Identity

The fair proudly showcases the region’s most enduring values:

• Agricultural excellence
• Homecraft traditions
• Youth engagement
• Volunteer leadership
• Generational pride
• Community unity

A Tradition That Endures

More than 120 years after its founding, the New Liskeard Fall Fair remains a treasured celebration, honouring the agricultural heritage, creativity, and community spirit that continue to enrich New Liskeard and Temiskaming Shores.

About the Community

New Liskeard, Ontario: A Welcoming Temiskaming Shores Community Where Agriculture, Lake Views & Northern Spirit Come Together

Located on the northern shore of Lake Temiskaming, New Liskeard is a vibrant and friendly community within Temiskaming Shores, known for its agricultural strength, lakeside beauty, and welcoming northern character. With rich farmland, historic neighbourhoods, and a dynamic community spirit, New Liskeard offers a blend of rural charm and small-town energy unique to northeastern Ontario.

A Community Built on Agriculture, Rail & Early Northern Development

New Liskeard grew rapidly in the early 1900s after the arrival of the railway and the opening of the region’s fertile clay belt to settlement. Dairy farms, grain operations, logging camps, and flour mills helped shape the area’s early economic foundation.

Historic storefronts, barns, farmsteads, and preserved neighbourhoods continue to reflect the community’s deep agricultural and pioneer heritage.

A Landscape of Lakes, Rolling Fields & Northern Horizons

New Liskeard enjoys a picturesque natural setting framed by:

• Beautiful Lake Temiskaming
• Rolling farmland stretching across the clay belt
• Forests, wetlands, and wildlife habitat
• Open northern skies and long horizon views
• Peaceful concession roads perfect for scenic drives

This blend of agriculture and northern landscape gives the community its distinctive character.

A Community Defined by Activity, Hospitality & Local Pride

New Liskeard residents are active participants in community life and support:

• Local businesses, markets & artisan producers
• Recreation programs, sports groups & youth initiatives
• Cultural events, music festivals & seasonal celebrations
• Agricultural organizations & rural associations
• Volunteer groups and service clubs

This strong local engagement strengthens New Liskeard’s warm and inclusive atmosphere.

Heritage Preserved Through Generations

The community honours its past through:

• Restored heritage buildings
• Local museums and archives
• Century farms and rural homesteads
• Traditions rooted in agriculture, northern living & family identity

These heritage elements help maintain New Liskeard’s strong sense of place.

Agriculture Remains a Central Part of Local Life

The surrounding region supports a robust agricultural sector that includes:

• Dairy, beef & mixed livestock farming
• Hay, grain, corn & soybean production
• Market gardens & rural food producers
• Farm-based artisans & homesteaders

This agricultural strength is proudly celebrated each year at the New Liskeard Fall Fair, the community’s most beloved rural tradition.

A Natural Companion to the New Liskeard Fall Fair

Together, New Liskeard and its fair highlight:

• Rural heritage
• Youth engagement
• Homecraft excellence
• Volunteer commitment
• Generational pride
• Community unity

A Community Where Lakeside Views, Rural Roots & Northern Warmth Flourish

Whether exploring lakeside trails, supporting local farms, strolling through historic neighbourhoods, or celebrating enduring traditions like the New Liskeard Fall Fair, the community offers a memorable Temiskaming Shores experience, where northern beauty, agriculture, and community spirit come together beautifully.