The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

By: Toronto4Kids

On November 7, The Royal rolls out the red carpet and welcomes the country to the city. From wine and cheese and tops and tails to horse and rider and beef and dairy, The Royal has something for everyone. The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is an experiential event that takes place for 10 days every November at Exhibition Place. It's the largest combined indoor agricultural show and equestrian competition in the world, showcasing Canada's best in agricultural products, technologies and competition. Simply put, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is one of the best events in the country.

While the livestock competitions are truly amazing, The Royal is a one-of-a-kind event where adults and children alike can learn about food and where it comes from, as well as the environment in which it grows, and how to best preserve it. Now in its 86th year, The Royal has educated and delighted millions of Canadians on all aspects of agriculture. Special shows and feature areas at The Royal include The Royal Horse Show, IAMS SuperDogs shows and education and agri-foodinnovation. Guests will surely be impressed. This November, come to The Royal to beat those November blahs.

Highlights of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

The Royal Horse Show
The most prestigious and important indoor equestrian event in North America, The Royal Horse Show continues to captivate audiences 86 years after its inception. This year's show is no doubt going to dazzle audiences like
never before with the presence of world famous riders, competing in all three of the Olympic disciplines: Show Jumping, Dressage and The Royal's own Indoor Eventing.

The IAMS SuperDogs Show
The stars of the show Tad, Treasure, Slider, Sprint and Pot Roast, plus 40 other canines bow-WOW fair-goers with their antics and athletic feats. Watch them race around, up and over obstacles; launch themselves over high barriers; and even sing and dance; working as a team to put on a stellar performance.

Agri-Food Innovation at The Royal
Agri-Food Innovation is dedicated to educating visitors about the importance of the agri-food sector and how it impacts the everyday lives of Canadians through five essential components: healthy living, renewable energy, environmental stewardship, agriculturally based bio-products, as well as safe and locally produced food.

Family Fun At The Royal

There's simply so much to see and do with your family here that you may have to return a few times. This year's highlights include:

Tim Horton's Ag-tivity Centre provides children aged 4-11 with fun-filled activities that also nurture the mind. Have your little ones learn about horses while painting their very own Breyer pony. Don't forget about the cows either. "Maple the Milking Cow" gives kids a hands-on milking experience. If getting creative is more their style, they can colour up a storm andhave the chance to win some Crayola and WILD magazine products. Perhaps the most exciting TimHorton's activities are those featuring animals. Your children will learn how to be safe around the family pet. Both Helping Homeless Pets and Animal Services of Toronto will be on hand with their animal friends. The Tim Horton's Ag-tivity Centre is located in the Upper East Annex.

The Horse EquiMania! Youth Education Program is specifically geared to youth aged 8 to 14 teaches young audiences about horse health and care. Equine Guelph, the creators of EquiMania! have daily demonstrations in the show ring teaching young horse enthusiasts how to properly care for their animals. The demonstrations complement an interactive EquiMania! Discoveries area located in the Upper East Annex.

The Pizza Pizza Petting Farm is the place to see all your favourite animals. Kids can get up close and personal with some cute and cuddly animals and even feed the furry friends a snack!

My Giant Vegetable Competition presented by The Ontario Toyota Dealers will present you with the most fascinating giant pumpkins and giant vegetables, weighing up to 800 pounds. New this year is also the My Giant Vegetable. Go to Hall A to get your very own giant pumpkin and giant vegetable seeds from authentic giant vegetable farmers. And maybe you'll grow your own giants big enough to enter in the Giant Vegetable Competition next year!

For more information on hours, admission and schedule of events, visit: www.royalfair.org.