A Reimagined LEX for 2020 in Response to COVID-19
The Lindsay Exhibition (LEX) is being reimagined for 2020 because of the COVID-19 pandemic. The September highlight for most Lindsay and area residents will happen in 2020, but it will be transformed to respect the rules necessary to combat transmission of the virus.
The Board of Directors and staff of the Lindsay Agricultural Society have been working diligently over the last number of weeks to reimagine the 2020 Lindsay Exhibition in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. One of the pre-eminent concerns was the health and safety of guests, volunteers, exhibitors, and others involved with the LEX.
“We’re working to bring as many aspects of the LEX to life as we can safely in this pandemic world. We are planning for online or virtual livestock competitions, homecraft competitions, some entertainment, and the agricultural education displays,” stated Len Dawson in making the announcement. “We also have some ideas on hybrid competitions where physical items are judged. Whether they go ahead will depend on the rules in place once we get to September.
“Our challenge is to create new experiences while preserving the traditions of the LEX. Online is one way to present things in a socially distanced manner. We are also working on bringing some of the tastes and sounds of a classic fall fair to Lindsay in new ways,” added LAS General Manager, Harry Stoddart.
This is just a different challenge for the LAS to weather among the many in its 166-year history. The LEX, and the LCE before it, stayed strong and relevant by adapting over time. Stay tuned over the summer for additional announcements as the details of specific aspects of the 2020 LEX are worked out.
About the Lindsay Agricultural Society
The Lindsay Agricultural Society (LAS) is a federally registered charity and 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 located at the south end of Angeline St. are owned by the Lindsay Agricultural Society. The LEX Grounds host over 40 events each year in addition to the Lindsay Exhibition, drawing over 100,000 visitors annually.
For more information contact Harry Stoddart, General Manager, Lindsay Agricultural Society – harry@lindsayex.com
