Fall may still be several months away, but organizers are already lining up a full slate of competitions, farm-focused entertainment and educational activities for the 93rd annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in November.
Building on investments it has made over the past couple of years, The Royal will introduce new features, entertainment and content for its 10-day run from November 6-15, 2015 in Toronto at the Direct Energy Centre and Ricoh Coliseum.
“Each year we try to come up with new ways to introduce people of all ages and backgrounds to a taste of Farm fresh Fun™ in the heart of the city,” said Paul Larmer, President and Chairman of The Royal’s board of directors.
At an event earlier in April to officially kick off The Royal’s 2015 season, Larmer said Royal attendance has grown by 9% over the past two seasons. The Royal welcomes more than 300,000 visits over 10 days each fall, generating more than $42 million in economic activity.
“Our popularity continues to grow, which shows people still love learning about where their food comes from. The Royal is where we celebrate our agricultural roots,” Larmer said.
Highlights on tap for The Royal’s 2015 season include:
- Several national competitions and world-class shows, including the popular Supreme Championships for beef and dairy
- The Royal Horse Show has been selected as the premier venue by Equine Canada for all national championships
- The Federation Equestre International has named The Royal Horse Show as host event for one leg in the prestigious Longines FEI World Cup™ Show Jumping Series
- The Royal Winter Gallery will have an expanded presence of artists, with special events for art lovers and a new lounge where visitors can enjoy a glass of wine
- More hands-on educational programming ,improved curriculum connections and outreach with educators
- The Road to The Royal Chef Challenge will be back in 2015 with stops at regional fairs and community events this summer and fall
- Introduced last fall, The Royal Butter Tart Competition will be bigger and sweeter, serving up more of Canada’s favourite dessert
- Expanding partnerships with public transit to help visitors get to The Royal from across the GTA and beyond.
“We’ve still got a lot more to put in place for the 2015 Royal. We’re looking forward to building on the momentum we’ve established over the past couple of years,” Larmer said.
To get a sense of what’s in store at The Royal 2015, check out this video preview below:
Funding support for The Royal has been provided by the City of Toronto and the Government of Ontario.
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