The Lindsay Exhibition, widely known as the LEX, is one of Ontario’s largest and longest-running agricultural fairs. Each September, the Lindsay Exhibition Grounds become a showcase for the farms, animals, skills, and traditions that define Kawartha Lakes. With more than 170 years of history, the event combines serious agricultural competition with midway excitement, live entertainment, food, and high-energy grandstand attractions.
Livestock shows are central to the experience. Farmers, breeders, and 4-H members present cattle, sheep, goats, and other animals while competing for recognition earned through months of preparation. Horse competitions are another major highlight, with heavy horses, light horses, Haflingers, and skilled drivers demonstrating power, control, and teamwork. These events give visitors an opportunity to see exceptional animals up close and better understand the knowledge required to raise and care for them.
The exhibition halls celebrate local talent through displays of vegetables, flowers, baking, preserves, photography, artwork, quilts, crafts, and junior entries. Machinery Row offers a closer look at agricultural equipment, connecting the fair’s traditional roots with the technology used on modern Ontario farms.
Beyond the agricultural competitions, the LEX delivers the atmosphere of a major fall fair. Midway rides and carnival games light up the grounds, while food vendors serve everything from familiar fairground favourites to full meals. Lawn tractor racing, truck and tractor pulls, and the demolition derby add speed, noise, and unpredictable action to the schedule.
The Lindsay Exhibition is large enough to offer something new around every corner, yet it remains closely connected to the community that created it. Farmers, volunteers, exhibitors, businesses, and families all contribute to an event that celebrates both the heritage and continuing importance of agriculture in Kawartha Lakes.