With less than 50 days to The Fair, The Royal will kick off its centennial celebration in style with an Opening Ceremony Showcase, hosted by Canadian comedian, Rick Mercer on November 2
TORONTO, Sept. 26. 2022 – After a two-year hiatus, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (The Royal) will return to Toronto’s Exhibition place from November 4 – 13 for a milestone year: its centennial. To mark the opening of the 100th Fair, The Royal has curated an evening of heritage and musical performances for the 100th Anniversary Opening Ceremony Showcase presented by Sirius XM, taking place November 2.
Hosted by iconic Canadian comedian Rick Mercer, the Opening Ceremony Showcase will include a variety of unique and exciting collaborations with something for everyone to enjoy. Canadian rock legends Blue Rodeo will perform alongside live rodeo performances; The Tenors will join forces with the RCMP Musical Ride, and country music star SACHA performs in tandem with the St. Andrew’s College Pipe and Drums. Additional performances and tributes are planned throughout the evening, including a poem by Randell Adjei, Ontario’s first Poet Laureate. Tickets for this historic event are on sale now at royalfair.org.
“It’s been a sombre time as we mourn the loss of Her Majesty The Queen, but we look forward to commemorating her love and passion for agriculture and horses at the 100th anniversary Fair,” said Charlie Johnstone, Chief Executive Officer, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. “As part of celebrating The Fair’s 100th anniversary, we’re incredibly excited to offer Canadians another can’t-miss experience with an extraordinary evening of music, entertainment and Canadiana at the 100th Anniversary Opening Ceremony Showcase. Those who attend will be awed by a truly unforgettable experience with some of the best performers from across our nation.”
For a century, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair has been Canada’s showcase for the very best in agriculture and food. This year the Royal barns will play host to national shows and championships with more breeds at The Fair than ever before in a celebration of Canadian agricultural excellence. World-renowned chef, Michael Bonacini is once again reprising his role as Chair of the Culinary & Hospitality Committee on The Royal’s board of directors, helping to curate exceptional culinary experiences.
“With Michael onboard, The Royal elevates the experience for people to connect over a delicious meal – while simultaneously learning about where our food comes from, and celebrating the people who grow it,” said Johnstone.
In addition, the Royal recently announced the launch of its first-ever e-shop – The Royal Paddock – giving Canadians a chance to celebrate like a champion and shop the exclusive Royal merchandise online ahead of the in-person festivities. A variety of limited edition items are already available for purchase on the website, such as The Royal Tartan Collection which includes a beautiful merino lambswool scarf created in partnership with The Campaign for Wool. Made in the United Kingdom, The Royal Scarf is woven in The Royal’s 100th-anniversary Tartan.
What else is happening at The Royal Agricutlural Winter Fair:
- The Royal Dog Show returns. The Royal is proud to announce our partnership with The Canadian Kennel Club to reimagine and reanimate the tradition of Dog Shows as part of The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. The Canadian Kennel Club will be coordinating two conformation Dog Shows from November 4th – 9th in The Royal’s Animal Theatre. Participating clubs include Olde York Kennel Club and Credit Valley Kennel and Obedience Club, who together will represent over a thousand dogs. Admission to the Dog Show will be included with general admission to The Fair.
- National Agricultural Shows. The Royal barns will be full of national shows and championships as more breeds than ever host their preeminent shows to help celebrate 100 years of Canadian Agricultural excellence. The industry’s best will be on display and we know the world will be watching. National shows for all of our beef and dairy breeds will be held, along with our 4-H cattle competition, while small livestock shows will feature various championships along with 4-H youth competing for top honours.
- The Royal Horse Show. Ranked as the #1 indoor horse show in North America and #3 in the world, The Royal Horse Show welcomes equestrian excellence from World Cup and Olympic Athletes from around the globe. For the first time in The Fair’s 100-year history, The Royal Horse Show will be an FEI (Fédération Équestre Internationale) 5*W event and will feature The Royal’s beloved world-class competitions and inspiring entertainment.
- The Royal Ambassador: Winston! 2022’s Royal Ambassador, Winston, is a 26-year-old Percheron Cross. This over 1.7 metres tall draft horse will be a key figure in the centennial celebration hosted at Toronto’s Exhibition Place.
- Outstanding Culinary Offerings. This year’s Fair will offer visitors a variety of culinary delights including five distinct restaurants, and new this year the Royal Food Market with a large selection of mouth-watering meals. Try your hand at whipping up your own meal by taking a class at the Burnbrae Farms Culinary Academy, featuring notable chefs teaching their favourite recipes and highlighting amazing local ingredients.
- RCMP Musical Ride. The fan favourite RCMP Musical Ride will return throughout the entirety of 2022’s Fair. This iconic symbol of Canada features 32 horses and riders performing intricate figures and drills choreographed to music – movements that demand the utmost skill and control.
- Food Competitions. For the first time ever, the cheese, butter, ready-to-eat meats and ice cream competitions moved to June 2022 to ensure in-season judging. The jams and jellies, hot sauce, pickling, maple products and the ever-popular butter tart competitions will continue to take place in September. You can expect to see the Royal Champions in all these competitions integrated into various restaurants and hospitality initiatives at this year’s Royal.
- 100th Anniversary Display. To pay tribute to The Fair’s long and prestigious history, The Royal has introduced a new role – a Royal Archive Curator – tasked with curating, designing and building a physical exhibit and virtual platform with highlights from the last 100 years.
- 100th Anniversary Timeline. From first dates to family traditions, from long nights to early competitions, The Royal is proud to spotlight a “Century of Champions”. The Royal 100th Anniversary Timeline is a unique, interactive, and engaging opportunity for all those who compete, exhibit or attend our beloved event to upload and share their treasured memories, photos and stories from over the years at 100years.royalfair.org
Tickets to The Fair, The Royal 100th Anniversary Gala and Opening Ceremony Showcase, along with the Royal Horse Show are now on sale at royalfair.org.
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