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A fanfare for the Fair fans! Do you look forward to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair every year? Us too! It’s a really enjoyable and educational way to spend an afternoon with the family. (Personally, I can’t get enough of the show chickens; truly the noblest and most regal of all poultry.) This year is going to be a little different — while the in-person excitement will have to wait another year, The Fair will celebrate its 98th anniversary with a special virtual experience, taking place from November 10-14, 2020.
What can you do at the Royal Agricultural Virtual Experience?
This 100%-online Fair will combine quintessential Royal traditions and new experiences specifically adapted to a virtual event. They’ll have live events and programs that you can tune in to with the kids and enjoy. Here are just a few highlights:
The Royal Pavilion, Presented by Ontario Toyota Dealers: a showcase that includes a spotlight on this year’s Royal Food Competition Champions, Fireside Chats presented by Henry Equestrian with 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.
And don’t forget, the 2020 Royal Ambassador will be crowned! Last year’s Ambassador, mini-horse Lil’ Ben, will hand over the proverbial (and literal?) reins, so the new Ambassador can reign.
How do you get access to the virtual experience?
Just register here. It’s quick, easy, and completely free to sign up – so don’t miss out on all the exciting virtual Fair experience programming that will be streaming live and on demand between November 10-14.
*Opinions expressed are those of the author, and not necessarily those of Parent Life Network or their partners.
Alanna Schiffer
Alanna Schiffer runs the exceedingly popular PLN Facebook group. She is also a writer who lives in Toronto with her husband and three kids, Android, Panda and Emily. She enjoys sushi and unicorns.
