I must say it has been several years since I visited the Royal Winter Fair at Exhibition Place in Toronto and thought it was time to once again give it a stroll and I am so glad I did. The fair was in Toronto from November 6-15, 2015.
When my sons were young, we would visit each year because it would be such a learning experience for them growing up in the city where livestock was not around every corner. I always found the fair an excellent opportunity for us city dwellers to see what it’s like for farmers – the work and hours involved in keeping their farmer fields and livestock healthy to provide for us throughout the year.
We would come away with a renewed appreciation of those who work in the agricultural industry. We tend to take for granted the neatly packaged meat and produce we purchase from our grocery stores without really considering where it came from or how it got there for us.
The boys and I loved being able to get up close and personal with all the different animals from horses and cows to goats, pigs, chicken, roosters, ducks and many others. There was always a farmer on hand to answer questions and explain what it takes to care for each animal.
This year was no different for my friend and I: we completely enjoyed all the animals and were astonished at the number of different roosters there are, each with a very unique colour, shape and size.
It’s amazing that the Royal Winter Fair has been running since 1922, yes it’s in its 93rd year and going strong. Fortunately, Exhibition Place is large enough to accommodate the hundreds of activities, shows, stables, competition rings, and vendors comfortably, making it enjoyable for both the animals, vendors and visitors.
This Canadian tradition is a wonderful way for all to sample local foods, do some unique shopping, see amazing shows and competitions while learning so much along the way. This is definitely a show the entire family from the youngest to the oldest would enjoy.
