About Us

At the Shannonville Agricultural Society, we are 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, to J.W. Dunbar Moodie of Hastings County, permission to establish a public fair in the Village of Shannonville. The fair was named the Shannonville World’s Fair, and from this event, the Shannonville Agricultural Society was born. This organization has operated as a not-for-profit entity, guided by dedicated community volunteers since its inception.

In the early days, the fair provided a vital opportunity for the community to gather and celebrate the harvest season. Today, the fair continues to support our agricultural roots while also providing a fun family event! Originally, the fair was located on Salmon River Road, east of Village Variety in Shannonville. You can still see the original stone pillars that mark where the first fairgrounds were.

The fair moved to its current location at the Township of Tyendinaga’s 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’ x 80’ cattle show barn to support the fair's operations. The township approved, in their council meeting on October 20, 2003, the building of a cattle barn 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. The barn continues to be the focal point for the annual fair.

As detailed in the council minutes from November 4, 2002, a motion was approved for a $500,000 fundraising campaign aimed at building a recreational complex for the community. The Shannonville Agricultural Society played a significant role in this initiative, contributing financially alongside other community members.

The recreational hall was successfully constructed in 2003 and has since become a vital venue for various activities. It's been used annually for the fair and other events organized by the Agricultural Society, including the well-loved "All You Can Eat Pancake Breakfasts." This hall not only serves as a gathering space for the fair but also strengthens community ties through various functions and celebrations throughout the year.