SHANICE SPROULE General Manager, Lindsay Agricultural Society
KAWARTHA LAKES: The Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS) is pleased to host the 169th Lindsay Exhibition, September 16th to 24th, 2023.
The Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS) is a federally registered charity, governed by a volunteer Board of Directors. The LAS was established to improve agricultural knowledge within the community and create opportunities for dialogue between the agricultural community and the residents of the Kawartha Lakes.
The mission of the LAS is "To showcase the vibrant agricultural industry in the Kawartha Lakes while enriching the life of the community through the Lindsay Exhibition, events, entertainment, and volunteerism."
The Lindsay Exhibition (LEX) is the annual agricultural fair, hosted by the Lindsay Agricultural Society with the help of over 300 volunteers. Attendance averages over 45,000 visitors. The LEX grounds are located at the south end of Angeline Street. The grounds are owned by the Lindsay Agricultural Society. The LEX Grounds hosts over 40 events each year, in addition to the Lindsay Exhibition, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually. 2023 marks the 169th Lindsay Exhibition.
The LAS is excited to host their first ever Family Weekend, on September 16th and 17th.They are beefing up their opening weekend to offer family-focused entertainment along with mainstay agriculture and livestock events. Family Weekend will feature reduced admission fees and free family events and entertainment throughout the grounds. In the North Field, visitors will find: bouncy castles; a Corn Hole competition; and the much-anticipated Family Game Zone, where kids and families can enjoy traditional family lawn games; like the three-legged race, egg and spoon race, balloon toss, and more!
Stop by the Commonwell Exhibition Building: to find the kids' crafts; a learn-to-quilt activity; the pedal tractor obstacle course; the puppet show, and more. Head down to the barns: to visit the petting zoo, at the Ag Pavilion; or take in the livestock events happening at the surrounding barns.
Grab some food from the fantastic line-up of food options and head to the Grandstands to sit down and watch the Heavy Horse Show and the Opening Ceremonies, featuring the OMSSU Musical Ride, and to meet the newly crowned 2023 Lindsay Exhibition Ambassador of the Fair.
As in previous years, September 18th and 19th will be drop-off and judging days for some of the Homecraft, Horticulture, Agriculture Products, and Junior Arts exhibits. Be sure to visit the Commonwell Exhibition Building, starting on September 20th, to view all the amazing work of local makers, crafters, quilters, bakers, artists, and vegetable growers on display, sporting their hard-earned ribbons.
Later in the week, the schedule is packed with all-day entertainment. The Family Stage will feature both new and traditional acts, including the Blackfly Band, Parliament of Owls, DooDoo the International Clown, the Rockabillyjoe Show, the Bex in Motion Fire Show, and more. The Grandstand entertainment features the trusted LEX line-up of: two demolition derbies; the truck pull; the tractor pull; the Woof Jocks; and new this year, catch the mini chuckwagon races, on September 23rd and 24th.
The World's Finest Midway is also back at the LEX, September 20th to 24th, featuring your favourite rides and games in the North Field. Grab your ride-all-day pass, online in advance or at the midway.
Be sure to catch daily livestock and agriculture events happening all week, including: the Sheep Show; the Light Horse Show; the Dairy Goat Show; the Holstein Show; the Beef Show, featuring the new Speckle Park breed, and more! Watch the Canadian Equine Mounted Games competition and demonstration, on September 16th and 17th, as well as the Tri-County Carriage Association Derby, on September 22nd at the Horse Rings. Head down to the Agriculture Pavilion to meet the farm animals, watch a sheep shearing demonstration or a milking demonstration, listen to Farmer Talks, and check out the Porkmobile, courtesy of Ontario Pork. The Ag Pavilion also has some adorable picture opportunities for the whole family.
For the first time in 10 years, the LEX poster is back! A limited run of 75 posters are available, designed by local artist Lindsey Vella. Also new this year, get your hands on the first-ever line of LEX apparel. All LEX merchandise will be available at the LAS Information Booth, in the Commonwell Exhibition Building each day of the fair.
Tickets are now on sale online, at lindsayex.com or at the LAS office.
See you at the LEX!