The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is an experience
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair offers a little something for everyone, from animal shows and competitions, to food music and more. ~ Jeff Helsdon photos
By Jeff Helsdon
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is often held up as the pinnacle for those involved in livestock competition.
Often called “The Royal” for short, this year’s show is planned for Nov. 6 to 15 at Exhibition Place in Toronto. It’s the 104th edition of the fair, which has grown into the largest agricultural and equestrian event in the world.
The Royal started in 1922 and King George V permitted it to use the Royal title. The Royal Coliseum at Exhibition Place was built for the show.
Although it’s in the middle of corn harvest for some, a trip to the Royal is a great experience for farmers on a rainy day when they can’t be in the fields, or for those who aren’t cash crop producers in the middle of harvest.
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is not the same as the Outdoor Farm Show, or even the International Plowing Match. Farmers won’t find the latest pesticides or farm machinery there.
It is an exhibition of the finest in livestock and horses on a grand scale. Competitors travel from across Canada and the United States to take part.
Here are the reasons to go:
The horse shows are top calibre and cover every imaginable facet of equestrian display, from jumpers to Belgians to teams with wagons. This is not to be missed.
The Royal is an opportunity to see an indoor rodeo in the winter. It’s likely the only opportunity to see a rodeo in Ontario after the fall season winds down.
Butter sculptures are a Royal tradition, but aren’t common outside of the Royal Winter Fair. Besides the sculptures on display, people can also make their own carvings from a pound of butter and submit photos for the competition.
Horses aren’t the only livestock at the Royal. There are rows and rows of the finest cows and other livestock in paddocks, and they are also on display.
Notable chefs share their favourite recipes on the cooking stage. This is a chance for aspiring chefs to learn more and up their game.
Spotlight on Local is a section where the best of Ontario-grown food is featured. The winners could be from your area.
Early Christmas shoppers will have the opportunity to get a jump on filling their lists at the Holiday Market at the Royal and the Artisan Pavilion. Whether you’re looking for unique handcrafted gifts or gourmet treats, there are plenty of shopping opportunities.
The Royal K9-Equine Challenge is a unique event that has both horses and dogs complete an obstacle course, with the fastest time winning.
This is a great day for the children and grandchildren. The Royal focuses on agricultural education, and the more today’s youth know, the better.
Getting there: Parking is available on the exhibition grounds, or you can park in Aldershot and take the GO train to the Exhibition Grounds stop.
For more information visit royalfair.org.
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