Lombardy Fair

“August 1 – 3, 2025 – 159 Years of Tradition, Agriculture, and Action-Packed Fun!“

Get ready for an exciting weekend of motorsports, agricultural showcases, family-friendly fun, and live entertainment at the 2025 Lombardy Fair, taking place from August 1st to 3rd, 2025! As the fair celebrates 159 years of rural heritage and community spirit, visitors can expect a thrilling mix of competitions, interactive exhibits, and classic fair traditions that make this event a must-visit summer attraction.

High-Energy Motorsports & Wild Competitions

For those who love loud engines and high-speed action, the Lombardy Fair delivers non-stop excitement with some of the best motorsports events around:

• Demolition Derby – A fan-favorite event where fearless drivers crash, smash, and battle it out to be the last car standing.
• Lawn Mower Races – Experience the fast-paced, laugh-out-loud fun of modified lawn mowers racing for glory.
• Truck Pull & Tractor Pull – Watch as massive trucks and tractors showcase raw power and horsepower, pulling heavy sleds in a battle for strength and endurance.

Agricultural Exhibits & 4H Shows

The Lombardy Fair remains deeply rooted in agriculture, giving visitors a chance to experience rural life up close with hands-on events and livestock competitions:

• Milking Competition – A fun and interactive event where competitors race to see who can milk a cow the fastest.
• 4H Dairy Calf Show & 4H Goat Show – Showcasing the hard work and dedication of young farmers, these competitions highlight top-tier livestock and future leaders in agriculture.
• 4H Kids Demo – An interactive educational event where kids can learn more about farming and livestock care from 4H members.

Fun for the Whole Family

The Lombardy Fair isn’t just about motorsports and agriculture—it’s also packed with family-friendly attractions and hilarious competitions:

• Mini Chuckwagon Races – Cheer on miniature horses and drivers as they compete in an exhilarating and entertaining race.
• Baby Show – A heartwarming event where families show off their adorable little fairgoers in a friendly and fun competition.
• Frying Pan Throw – A classic crowd favorite where contestants show off their strength and aim as they toss a frying pan as far as they can!

Beer Tent, Live Music & Community Celebration

No fair is complete without great food, refreshing drinks, and live entertainment! The Beer Tent is the perfect place to kick back and enjoy a cold beverage, while the fair’s Live Music lineup will keep the festival atmosphere alive all weekend long with talented local performers and bands.

Join Us for an Unforgettable Weekend!

The 2025 Lombardy Fair offers the perfect mix of agriculture, motorsports, family fun, and small-town charm, making it a must-visit summer event for all ages.

Mark your calendars for August 1st to 3rd, 2025, and come celebrate 159 years of tradition, competition, and community spirit at the Lombardy Fair!

History of the Lombardy Fair

Lombardy Fair found its roots in 1833 when local farmers gathered to exhibit cattle, horses, pigs and sheep.

Elmsley-Kitley had rotating fairs until 1866 when the first Lombardy Fair was recognized.  Members of all the local churches formed the first executive.  By 1977 there were 70 members and field crops were added to the prize list and “Lombardy Agricultural Society” was born.  A Ladies miscellaneous section was added as well as Garden Produce.

The main attraction was horse racing and the fair was held on land rented from Mr. Ed O’Meara and later Mr. Don Covell.  The Methodist driveshed was also rented as an exhibit hall and later purchased.

In 1908 the fair date was changed, because of poor weather, from October to the second weekend in September.  For several years the local ladies provided dinner in the village hotel and later in the township hall.  Local people entertained in the evening from a wagon platform.  In 1949 two new buildings were added which would eventually be moved to the new location.

By the late 1970’s it was realized that the present site was inadequate, not only due to its lack of space but also because it was rented and therefore did not qualify for government grants.

In 1981, 45 acres were purchased from the Bissonette family on Kelly’s Road and with help from local tradesmen and community volunteers the community hall was built in 1982.  From there the society progressed rapidly with many other buildings added.

Since 1982 Lombardy Fair has been held on the Civic Holiday weekend in August.  The fair is organized into committees with a chair for each committee, who in turn become fair directors who elect an executive.

No longer are we just a fair.  Besides being one of the most popular fairs in Eastern Ontario, we host a variety of events throughout the year.  Our air-conditioned, fully licensed, heated community hall with modern kitchen and accessible washrooms is used for wedding receptions, political rallies, school functions, auction sales, family parties, and the list goes on.  The Ladies Division of our fair offers a catering service to those who rent the facility.

Following the untimely and unfortunate closing of Kemptville Agricultural College, the alumni chose Lombardy Agricultural Society grounds as the ideal location in Eastern Ontario to accommodate its annual meeting and reunion.  The reception was so good that the alumni erected a building on our fairgrounds to house memorabilia for all to enjoy.