A star on screen and at The Royal

TORONTO, Nov. 8, 2015 /CNW/ - Amber Marshall, star of television's Heartland, is getting great reviews at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto this weekend. The lead in a show about an Alberta ranch also happens to be an active farmer off the set. She is also a fan of rodeo, which brought her to The Royal in 2015 as its rodeo emcee.

Marshall grew up in London, ON, and had understanding parents who allowed her to keep "tons of critters". She also began riding horses as a young girl. Her acting career allows her to maintain her connection to the land and animals and gives her a chance to be a spokesperson for causes she supports.

"I just love The Royal; I used to come here as a kid," Marshall says. "It's a bit of a whirlwind when I come here now, but I think it's neat to have a fair like this in downtown Toronto." She admits she used to be able to come as a spectator and to look at all the animals, but now she says she is "spectated". In her trademark western wear it is hard for her to move through The Royal without being mobbed by fans of her television show.

"Heartland gave me the financial means to start my own farm," Marshall continues. She and her husband share crop 100 acres and have a small herd of Jersey cows. They also have team roping horses, which is another reason she is a fan of rodeo.

The Royal is supported in part by the City of Toronto and the Province of Ontario.

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 November 6-15, 2015 at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.

SOURCE Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

Image with caption: "Amber Marshall and Turbo the goat (CNW Group/Royal Agricultural Winter Fair)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20151108_C6927_PHOTO_EN_539504.jpg

Karen Poncelet, Marketing Communications and Community Relations Mgr, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, 39 Manitoba Drive, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON M6K 3C3, Direct: 416-263-3411, Fax: [phone]