History of the Shannonville World's Fair
The Shannonville Agricultural Society is committed to nurturing a thriving agricultural community. Our mission is to support local farmers and advocate for the agricultural industry that sustains our region. We believe agriculture is the heart of our community, and we work tirelessly to cultivate an environment where it can prosper and be showcased!
The Shannonville Agricultural Society was founded in 1856 when Queen Victoria granted, by Royal Letter, permission to J.W. Dunbar Moodie of Hastings County to establish a public fair in the village of Shannonville.
The fair became known as the Shannonville World’s Fair, and from this event, the Shannonville Agricultural Society was born. Since its inception, the Society has operated as a not-for-profit organization guided by dedicated community volunteers.
Shannonville World’s Fair
In its early days, the fair provided a vital opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate the harvest season. Today, it continues to honour those agricultural roots while offering a fun, family-friendly experience for visitors of all ages. The fair was originally located on Salmon River Road, east of the Village Variety in Shannonville, where the original stone pillars still mark the site of the first fairgrounds. The fair moved to its current location at the Township of Tyendinaga Recreation Complex, 363 McFarlane Road, in the late 1990s to early 2000s.
According to the Belleville Archives, during a Township Council meeting on September 2, 2003, the Jarrell family expressed a desire to build a 40-foot by 80-foot cattle show barn to support the fair’s operations. The Township approved the construction of the cattle barn at its Council meeting on October 20, 2003, with the project undertaken by the Jarrell family in partnership with the Shannonville Agricultural Society. The barn, known as the Lorne and Ione Jarrell Agri-Plex, was built on Township property and remains under the stewardship of the Shannonville Agricultural Society.
Behind the barn stands a large coverall structure used during the fair for 4-H livestock judging and as a stage for live musical performances. During the off-season, the coverall is used for equipment storage. Both the barn and the coverall continue to serve as focal points during the annual fair.
The Recreation Complex also features a horse ring, which is used during the fair for a variety of equestrian events, including barrel racing, horse pulling, and the Western Games horse show, a new addition for this year’s 170th Anniversary Fair.
The Shannonville World’s Fair is a traditional agricultural fair with something for every member of the family. Highlights include the Friday night Truck and Tractor Pull, 4-H beef and dairy cattle judging, and exhibit judging for gardeners, crafters, bakers, photographers, quilt makers, artists, and more. Fair-goers can also take part in the silent auction by bidding on sponsor-donated products, with winning bids supporting the fundraising efforts of the Agricultural Society and the continued success of the Fair.
Food Zone
No fair visit is complete without the mouth-watering aroma of classic fair food drifting through the grounds. In the Food Zone, fair-goers can enjoy crowd favourites like sizzling burgers, crispy fries, hot dogs, and other tasty treats that make the day even more memorable.
Kidz Zone
One of the fair’s biggest highlights is the Kidz Zone, where families can enjoy a full lineup of fun, hands-on activities designed especially for children.
A crowd favourite is the annual Zucchini 500, where youth of all ages can turn a zucchini into a race car, enter it in the competition, and compete for prizes.
Kids and parents can also enjoy a leisurely ride on the ever-popular fair train through the Recreation Complex or take in the fairgrounds from a horse-drawn wagon.
The Kidz Zone also features family field games, bouncy castles, a petting zoo, a foam party, face painting, balloon art, and more making it a lively destination for children throughout the fair.
Artisan Zone
Fair-goers can explore the Artisan Zone to discover local artisans and craftspeople offering a variety of unique, hand-crafted items. From one-of-a-kind gifts to locally made treasures, this area showcases the creativity and talent found throughout the community.
Live Music
The Shannonville World’s Fair also provides a welcoming stage for local musicians to share their talents with fairgoers. Located at the back of the coverall building, the live music stage adds energy, entertainment, and a strong sense of community to the fair experience.
Community Support and Philanthropy
For 170 years, the Shannonville Agricultural Society has been more than the organizer of a local fair—it has been a dedicated community partner, helping to strengthen agricultural life, rural traditions, and community spirit throughout Tyendinaga. Through volunteer leadership, fundraising, and ongoing partnerships, the Society has contributed to projects and events that bring people together and support the continued growth of the community.
The Society’s commitment to giving back is reflected in its support for local facilities, such as the Shannonville Recreation Hall.
As recorded in the Council minutes from November 4, 2002, a motion was approved to support a $500,000 fundraising campaign for the construction of a new recreational complex for the community. The Shannonville Agricultural Society played an important role in this initiative, contributing financially alongside other community members and partners.
170th Anniversary
The 170th Anniversary of the Shannonville Agricultural Society is a milestone worth celebrating. Since 1856, the Society has brought people together to honour agriculture, showcase local talent, and celebrate the traditions that continue to shape rural life in Tyendinaga and the surrounding area.
This anniversary fair is both a tribute to the generations who built and supported the Society and an invitation for today’s families to be part of its continuing story. From livestock shows and agricultural exhibits to family activities, artisan displays, fair food, live music, and community gatherings, the fair reflects the spirit, dedication, and pride that have sustained it for 170 years.
As the Shannonville Agricultural Society looks to the future, this anniversary serves as a reminder of the importance of volunteers, sponsors, exhibitors, farmers, families, and fair goers who continue to keep this tradition strong. The 170th Anniversary Fair celebrates not only where the Society has been, but also the bright future of agriculture, community, and connection in Shannonville.
170th Anniversary Recipe Book
The Shannonville Agricultural Society has initiated a community event to allow community members to contribute their favorite recipes to a commemorative cookbook in celebration of our 170th Anniversary.
A social media post was published encouraging community members to share their favorite dishes with your neighbours! Whether it’s a family-heirloom bread recipe passed down through generations, a go-to crowd-pleasing entrée, or the absolute best ever holiday cookies. Contributed recipes will help us weave together the rich and diverse culinary fabric of our community.
The published cookbook will be sold at the fair and on the web site with the proceeds supporting the Agricultural Society.
Historical Timeline
Year / Period | Milestone |
|---|---|
1856 | Queen Victoria granted, by Royal Letter, permission to J.W. Dunbar Moodie of Hastings County to establish a public fair in the village of Shannonville. From this fair, the Shannonville Agricultural Society was formed. |
Early years | The Shannonville World’s Fair became an important community gathering, giving residents an opportunity to celebrate the harvest season, showcase agricultural achievements, and strengthen rural traditions. |
Original fairgrounds | The fair was originally held on Salmon River Road, east of the Village Variety in Shannonville, where the original stone pillars still mark the site of the first fairgrounds. |
Late 1990s–early 2000s | The fair moved to its current home at the Township of Tyendinaga Recreation Complex, 363 McFarland Road, providing expanded space for agricultural exhibits, family activities, and community events. |
November 4, 2002 | Township Council approved support for a $500,000 fundraising campaign to construct a new recreational complex for the community, with the Shannonville Agricultural Society contributing financially alongside other local partners. |
2003 | The Shannonville Recreation Hall was completed, becoming a valued gathering place for the fair, Agricultural Society events, pancake breakfasts, community functions, and local celebrations. |
September 2, 2003 | The Jarrell family expressed interest in building a 40-foot by 80-foot cattle show barn to support fair operations, according to Belleville Archives records. |
October 20, 2003 | Township Council approved construction of the cattle barn, a project undertaken by the Jarrell family in partnership with the Shannonville Agricultural Society. |
2003 onward | The Lorne and Ione Jarrell Agri-Plex and nearby coverall structure became key features of the fairgrounds, supporting 4-H livestock judging, live musical performances, equipment storage, and annual fair programming. |
2026 Marks the 170th Anniversary of the Fair | The Shannonville Agricultural Society celebrates 170 years of agricultural heritage, volunteer leadership, community support, and family-friendly fair traditions, while looking ahead to the future of agriculture and community connection in Shannonville. |