A NEW KIND OF LEX

Submitted by Harry Stoddart

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, said LAS General Manager, Harry Stoddart. “We are also working on bringing some of the tastes and sounds of a classic fall fair to Lindsay in new ways.”

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.