THE RETURN OF THE ROYAL
The 2020 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will be held virtually from November 10 to 14, offering inspiring educational experiences in food and agriculture for Canadians from coast-to-coast-to-coast. Plus, the 2020 Royal Ambassador “takes the reins” from Lil’ Ben and the fan-favourite butter sculpture competition goes virtual.
September 28, 2020 - Toronto, ON - A quintessential Canadian experience returns for its 98th year - with a bit of a twist. Although COVID-19 forced the cancellation of an in-person Royal Agricultural Winter Fair at Exhibition Place this year, The Royal today announced plans to run a fully virtual event called The Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience from November 10-14, 2020 with programs extending into 2021 as well. Through a new, completely free, digital platform, Canadians of all ages will have the opportunity to “Get Agricultured” through premium, live online experiences that showcase the best in Canadian food, agriculture and equestrian talent – all of the content will be available on demand for a full year from the comfort of their homes or classrooms.
“For nearly one hundred years, The Royal has been a beloved Canadian tradition and an unparalleled celebration of the very best in agriculture, local food and equestrian competitions,” said Charlie Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “None of us could have imagined the challenges that 2020 would bring - but they’ve inspired us to create a new kind of Royal experience that will deliver the joy and wonder of this incredible event to people across the country and around the world.”
The online Fair will combine quintessential Royal traditions and new experiences specifically adapted for a virtual audience. Highlights will include:
- The Royal Pavilion, Presented by Ontario Toyota Dealers: a showcase that includes a spotlight on this year’s Royal Food Competition Champions, discussions by world-class equestrian champions, a Q&A with Amber Marshall from CBC’s Heartland, cooking demonstrations with Chef Michael Bonacini and other top culinary talents, and appearances by the President’s Choice SuperDogs among other exciting features.
- The Agriculture Zone, Presented by Dairy Farmers of Ontario: will showcase the future of dairy farming in Canada and the practices the industry is implementing to meet society's present and future food needs, while ensuring a sustainable environment for generations to come. Commodities and industry partners will be covering topics related to animal welfare, the environment, technology and innovations, food safety and security and community. Here you will explore dairy innovation through our virtual Minecraft world, Dairycraft. You will learn about autonomous electric equipment, plant science technologies, sustainable food systems and the reduction of food waste.
- Grow Your Skills, Presented by RBC Future Launch: a virtual environment where youth 15-25 can learn about jobs in the Agri-Food sector, as well as discover new ways to develop a personal brand and continue their professional development. RBC, AgCareers, AgScape and the Rural Ontario Institute have partnered with the Royal to create a robust content hub to help young Canadians from across the country with their next steps for both education and careers in the Agri-Food space and beyond. Attendees can look forward to engaging webinars (RBC Learning Sessions), a virtual career fair, professional development tools, and networking opportunities, empowering youth for the jobs of tomorrow.
- A Place to Grow, Presented by University of Guelph: Experience and explore how science, technology, research, creativity, innovation and entrepreneurship are improving the ways we grow, think about, manage and enjoy food. Our world-leading approach to agriculture and food – integrating insights into the environment, crops, animals, and ingredients – is helping us to be healthier; creating new ways to learn; generating jobs; ensuring a steady supply of healthy, safe and nutritious food; and protecting nature and the nourishment it provides. Explore our latest and greatest discoveries, interact with our game-changing innovations, and connect with us in our aim to improve life at "Canada’s Food University,” the University of Guelph.
- Spotlight on Local, Presented by Metro: A unique feature that celebrates the very best in local food and beverage being grown, produced or manufactured in Ontario. Explore Champions Showcase where Royal food competition winners and their products will be presented. Metro grocery stores will be showcasing its Locally Sourced Program, which supports and highlights local entrepreneurs trying to break into the grocery market and provides Ontarians access to these local products for them to discover and enjoy. Also featured will be several of Ontario’s regional tourism destinations showcasing their local businesses, restaurants, top chefs and fantastic experiences within their regions.
Plus, for the first time in its history, The Royal will open up one of its most entertaining competitions to Canadians at home, with the launch of a Virtual Miniature Butter Sculpting Competition. Beginning October 19, all Canadians will be invited to create butter sculptures at home and share them with The Royal for a chance to have their creation shortlisted for public voting during the virtual event. More information on the competition will be shared in the coming weeks.
And finally, the road to the Royal wouldn’t be complete without the announcement of the 2020 Royal Ambassador. Last year’s Ambassador, the mini-horse Lil’ Ben, is officially passing the reins to Duke, the Silky Frizzle Rooster. Duke will help bring the spirit of The Royal – albeit virtually – to the people of Toronto and to people across Canada as we prepare to celebrate the 2020 event.
“Lil’ Ben served The Royal with distinction last year and represented the Fair well in his encounters with Lieutenant Governor Dowdeswell , Mayor Tory, and famed Olympian Ian Millar, as well as his many fans he met during his travels,” commented Johnstone. “As he enjoys a well-deserved retirement, we’re thrilled to pass the title to Duke. Although there are big shoes – or should I say horseshoes – to fill, we know that Duke will help us bring the country to the city in this most unusual year.”
About The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair:
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world's largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. Now in its 98th year, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has gone digital and will run November 10-14 at http://www.royalfair.org/virtual
For more information, or to schedule an interview with Charlie Johnstone, CEO, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, please contact:
Duncan Peng, Craft Public Relations
[email protected] | 647.865.2552
