The ribbon winners of nine food competitions* were on display (Cheese & Butter, Ready-To-Eat Meats, Ice Cream, Jams & Jellies, Pickles, Honey, Maple, Hot Sauce, and Butter Tarts). The aroma of fresh-baked cookies and apple dumplings drifted through the air, helping to draw crowds to the food court and food stalls placed throughout the fair. A large “Food Is Life” sign near the Chef’s Table kitchen served as a beacon for food lovers, while butter sculpture masterpieces at the Gay Lea Butter Sculpting Showdown displayed the artistry and whimsy of rural traditions.
The thunder of hooves signalled the start of the Adult Amateur Hunter Over Fences horse jumping competition, while nearby in the Small Animal Pavilion, goats were carefully judged for their form and temperament. Located in the Heritage Court area, sheafs of wheat and oats and giant pumpkins stood as proud symbols in the agriculture competition*, celebrating the local bounty of Ontario’s farms.
The University of Guelph’s exhibits drew curious visitors with many displays, including live bees and a life-sized model cow that can illustrate the birthing process. In the Dairy Education Centre, children watched in awe as milk was processed, connecting the dots from farm to table. The Northern Ontario Pavilion showed the region’s unique contributions to Canadian agriculture, food, and drink.
Fotogalerii
Photos by Toomas Kald
The Simmental and Angus cattle competitions* were in full swing, with handlers young and old washing, grooming, and parading their animals before the judges. Volunteers worked tirelessly, cleaning manure and keeping the barn areas spotless. Baby pigs snuggled in their pen. A corgi puppy made friends with the cows. A rabbit petting area offered gentle moments for young fairgoers. You could hear laughing in the Royal Petting Farm, with the friendly animals being fed pellets from paper cups and outstretched palms.
Canadian country singer Jade Hilton took the stage several times, her music echoing through Heritage Court. Dr. Erica Shelley, co-founder and CEO of Best for Bees, engaged audiences with her talk entitled “Buzzing with Knowledge: Discovering Bees, Biodiversity & the Canada Organic Logo,” while major partners Ford and OLG had displays highlighting the intersection of tradition and modernity.
Children traded sand for corn, diving into a play area filled with golden kernels. The fair was a showcase of agriculture and a celebration of community, learning, and the simple joys of rural life brought to the heart of the city.
You can attend the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair until Sunday November 16th. Details can be found royalfair.org.
*Note: The winners for all competitions can be found at assistexpo.ca/results/rawf
Words and images by Toomas Kald
