Former Toronto Maple Leafs’ Darryl Sittler, Darcy Tucker and Curtis Joseph, as well as former Montreal Canadiens’ Mark Napier will square off against professional polo players Dave Offen and Cliff Sifton in a polo match on Sat., Nov. 5 at 1 p.m. at Ricoh Coliseum as part of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, which opened Nov. 4, 2011 in Toronto. The former NHL players will be available to sign autographs before the polo match at 11:30 a.m.
If you are not attending the polo match, many other exciting events are taking place during the fair, which runs until Nov. 13, 2011. The Annual Chef Competition features Lynn Crawford of Food Network Canada’s Pitchin’ In series. Heartland star Amber Marshall and Rob Millar will host the Ontario Toyota Dealers Royal Rodeo that features barrel racing, bronco busting and bull riding on Sun., Nov. 6 at 1 p.m. Rodeo tickets are $66.50, $51.50 and $44.50. The highlight of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is of course the Royal Horse Show. This year, 2008 Beijing Olympic gold medalist Eric Lamaze will be competing in show jumping. If you attend the evening horse show on Remembrance Day, you’ll get to see the 48th Highlanders’ pipes and drums band. The Royal Horse Show tickets are $71.50, $56.50 and $51.50.
If you are bringing the kids, the Royal has many scheduled children’s events. Be sure to take them to see the President’s Choice SuperDogs who race, jump over obstances, dance and sing. Get in line 30 minutes before the show outside of Hall D in order to secure a seat. The Monkey Bunch, a rock band with positive messages, performs on the Family Fun Stage, as well as Magician Rick Rossini, Juggler Kobbler Jay and DooDoo The Clown.
This wouldn’t be a true agricultural fair without rural activities such as beef, dairy, poultry, sheep and wool competitions, butter sculpting, giant vegetable contests and livestock auctioning, all of which will take place during the 10-day fair. If you are looking for farm fresh products, stop by the Harvest Market where you’ll find cow’s milk, sheep’s milk, cheese, organic and chemical-free products, carrots, cabbage, squash, pumpkin, apple, apple cider, maple syrup, jams, lavender products and beeswax candles.
Enjoy a cocktail or a bite to eat during the show at The Hitching Ring Cafe and Bar in the Lower West Annex where you can watch horses warm up in the hitching ring. You may also want to check out the Bit and Bridle Restaurant at the upper east end of the Horse Palace where owners and riders hang out. Try Ontario craft beers at the Royal Brew House in the Heritage Court, which is open from 11 a.m. until the show closes each day.
Admission to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is Adults $22, Seniors $16, Child/Youth (5-17) $16 and 4 and under Free. Family pass for up to 4 with a minimum of one child is $50.
