The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair will welcome a royal visitor when it returns to Toronto in November for its 93rd year.
Her Royal Highness the Princess (Sophie) Edward, Countess of Wessex, will tour the Royal on Nov. 13 with the Hon. Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario.
“We’re thrilled that the Countess of Wessex and the Lieutenant Governor will be joining us,” said Charlie Johnstone, the Royal’s CEO.
“We’ve got a special afternoon in store for them that will showcase all that’s new in the world of farming and fresh, local food.”
Featuring 10 days of family-oriented entertainment, exhibits and agricultural competition, the Royal will bring country life to the heart of Canada’s largest city from Nov. 6 to 15 at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.
The Countess of Wessex’s visit continues a long relationship between the Royal and the Canadian Royal Family, which stretches back to the Royal’s inception.
The fair received approval by His Majesty King George V in 1920 to use the Royal title. Queen Elizabeth II is the fair’s Royal patron and members of the Canadian Royal family have been guests of honour at The Fair on numerous occasions over the years.
The fair’s most recent Royal visit was in 2009 when HRH The Prince of Wales, and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall, officially opened the event.
In addition to touring the show and visiting exhibits, the Countess of Wessex and the Lieutenant Governor will make a presentation to WindReach Farm on behalf of the Royal, in appreciation of their support for the Royal over the past 10 years.
WindReach Farm staff and volunteers provide an assisted tour program at the Royal for groups of individuals with special needs, allowing them to enjoy the fair’s animals, activities and exhibits up close.
The Royal’s special guests will also meet with 4-H Ontario executives, volunteers and youth to pass along greetings on the organization’s 100th anniversary.
“We’re looking forward to another successful fair this year,” Johnstone said.
“No matter how much times have changed since it got its start more than nine decades ago, the royal has managed not only to stay relevant, but also to grow even more interesting and engaging.”
About the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world’s largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show.
This year, the 93rd Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs Nov. 6 to 15 at Exhibition Place in Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and tickets visit www.royalfair.org.
