It must be November. The Island agricultural community is alive with the question that has been around for almost a century: “Are you going to the Royal this year?” The answer will be yes for many. A pilgrimage to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto is something that many look forward to every fall.
When the Royal first opened in 1922, thousands of people passed through the gates to witness the best in agricultural, horticultural and equestrian competition. While many things have changed in the past 87 years, the Royal continues to showcase some of the best that Canadians produce.
The grand tradition that is the Royal continues this year when the fair opens its gates for its November 6 to 15 run at Exhibition Place on the grounds of the Canadian National Exhibition. Over 350,000 people are expected to pass through the doors over the ten days. Many of the visitors to the Royal are urbanites who have no contact with rural Canada other than a trip to the fair. School children by the thousands are brought to the Royal to gain appreciation for where their food comes from.
Among those making their way to the big event will be a number from Prince Edward Island. The Island has a long and distinguished association with the Royal. Many sought-after grand champion titles have made their way back to this province since the first Royal was held. Veteran exhibitors and visitors and some making their first appearance at the Royal will be among those in attendance.
Some of the best cattle, horses, sheep, poultry, potatoes and other agricultural products from Prince Edward Island will be trucked or shipped to Toronto to compete for the title of Royal champion. Names with a long association with Island agriculture at the Royal such as the Sandersons and Jewells will join some of the newer names like Matheson and Perry to represent the Island in Toronto.
The world comes to Toronto every November looking for the best in Canadian agricultural products. The Royal offers an opportunity to showcase the best rural Canada has to offer. Sales of cattle and other livestock either by private sale or auction are a highlight of the fair. The call of the auctioneer soliciting bids can be heard almost every day during the Royal. Canadian genetics are sold domestically and internationally every year.
A meeting place for some and a learning experience for others, the Royal Winter Fair offers something for everyone who comes.