New Liskeard Fall Fair
“September 11 – 13, 2025 – “Learn, Laugh, Share, Grow!“
The New Liskeard Fall Fair returns for its 121st year from September 11 to 13, 2025, embracing the theme “Learn, Laugh, Share, Grow.” Hosted by the New Liskeard Agricultural Society, this historic event offers a vibrant celebration of agricultural heritage, family fun, and community spirit. (New Liskeard Fall Fair)
Agricultural Showcases and Competitions
At the heart of the fair are its esteemed agricultural competitions. The 4-H Beef Show, Light Horse Show, Draft Horse Show, Sheep Show, Goat Show, and Cattle Shows highlight the dedication of local farmers and the quality of livestock in the region. The Heavy Horse Pull and Western Games showcase the strength and skill of both animals and handlers. Agricultural Exhibits offer insights into traditional skills and modern farming practices, celebrating the region’s rich agricultural heritage.
Family-Friendly Activities and Entertainment
Families will find plenty to enjoy, from the Baby Show and Junior Exhibits to the Small Animal Barn, where children can interact with friendly animals. The Midway offers thrilling rides and classic games, ensuring fun for all ages. Live entertainment, including Live Music performances, provides a lively backdrop to the fair, featuring local artists and bands that reflect the community’s rich musical heritage. The Craft Beer Garden offers a relaxing spot for adults to unwind and enjoy local brews.
Homecrafts and Artisan Displays
Inside the exhibition halls, visitors can explore an array of Homecraft Exhibits, showcasing local talents in baking, quilting, preserves, and crafts. These displays celebrate the domestic arts that have been a staple of the fair since its inception.
Join the Celebration
The 2025 New Liskeard Fall Fair offers a rich tapestry of events and exhibits that honor the area’s agricultural heritage and community spirit. Whether you’re a long-time attendee or a first-time visitor, the fair provides an opportunity to connect with the traditions that have shaped New Liskeard. Mark your calendars for September 11 to 13, and be part of this cherished celebration at the New Liskeard Fairgrounds, 11 May Street, New Liskeard, Ontario. (New Liskeard Fall Fair)
History of the New Liskeard Fall Fair
There is probably no more enduring a tradition in New Liskeard than its annual Fall Fair. From its humbler beginnings in 1904 to the present, the Fair has always provided an opportunity for the farming community and urban dwellers alike, to celebrate the harvest, learn about new technology, and exhibit livestock, produce, and crafts (New Liskeard Fall Fair)
The first agricultural society in New Liskeard was named the Temiskaming District Agriculture Society and founded in 1904. At a June 1st meeting of that year, it was moved by Mr. Sharpe and seconded by Mr. McKewen that the society hold its Fall Fair on September 22nd and 23rd of that same year. (New Liskeard Fall Fair)
The society managed to obtain $600 in prize money- a substantial amount in 1904! (over $13,000 in 2014 values) (New Liskeard Fall Fair)
The site of that first Fair was at the grounds of the old public school on Whitewood Avenue (where the Cenotaph Park now stands).
Judges were chosen for horses, cattle, sheep, swine, and poultry. Judges were also chosen for grain and produce as well as ladies work and fine arts. (New Liskeard Fall Fair)
Three days after that first Fair, the winners in the various categories were announced. While many of the original records of that event are illegible, a few are noted:
– James Murray won first prize for his Empire State potatoes and a Mr. Baker took first for his Savoy cabbage.
– Mr. Perrin won a first for some millet and fodder corn.
Prizes amounted to about $1 for each of those classes.
The first Agricultural Fair was considered by all, a success. It continued to be held at the same location over the next few years until 1908, when it was held at the new “Cement school” ( the new public school which had been constructed at the end of Mary Street). Without a permanent site, this would be the first of several moves for the Fair.
From the “Cement school” the Fair moved across the Wabi River to the Ontario government’s demonstration farm and then in subsequent years relocated to the New Liskeard Beach. While the presence of a two-storey pavilion there allowed for good exhibit space for displays, the Fair itself started to die. The era was the Thirties and between the depression and imminence of war, interest in the Fair declined.
By 1938, the Temiskaming District Agricultural Fair was a thing of the past and would not be revived until after World War II.
In 1948, the Fall Fair was resurrected in large part thanks to the New Liskeard Lions Club. The fair continued to be held at the beach until about 1949. More permanent premises were eventually found at the New Liskeard Curling Rink, the New Liskeard Arena and the land between those buildings which stretched almost to the lakeshore, aptly named the “Fall Fair grounds” and the Fairs continue to be held there today.
In earlier years, the Fair was held over two days; one day was used to set up exhibits and judging and dismantling of exhibits took up the second day. These days, the Fair generally runs from Thursday to Saturday night. Also, the Temiskaming District Agriculture Society has since changed its name to the New Liskeard Agricultural Society.
Many of the traditional categories have remained – livestock judging, produce and grain exhibits, craftwork and artistry exhibits – but through the years additional events have added to the excitement. There is now a midway, harvest queen contest, talent shows, a school children’s parade and a Saturday afternoon parade through town, and the ever-popular horse draws in which teams of draft horses compete to draw the heaviest stone boats.
Pictures from 2004 to 2014 show that interest in the Fair has increased over time. Today, the parade is well-attended; the exhibits have become more sophisticated and creative; the livestock is second to none! The New Liskeard Agricultural Society depends on many volunteers and committee members to plan and execute the fair every year and each year it just seems to get better! See on website
