Save the Date: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair returns November 1, 2013 for ten full days of Farm, fresh, Fun!

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2013 /CNW/ - The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, celebrating 91 years as the world's largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show, will run from November 1-10 in the Ricoh Coliseum and Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place.

"This year's Royal will connect families with farming and food experiences in fresh new ways that entertain, and engage all of our visitors," said Sandra Banks, Chief Executive Officer, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. "The animals take centre stage at the Royal, with more than 4,000 expected to come and go throughout the ten day Fair. There's a lot that's new at this year's Royal as well as everything that our visitors have come to love and expect."

In addition to fan favourites, such as the Pizza Pizza Petting Farm, giant vegetables and butter sculptures, The Royal 2013 lineup promises to thrill newcomers and "Loyal Royals" alike. Highlights include:

• The President's Choice Animal Theatre: Goats on the Go, sheep herding, jumping rabbits and an animal psychic - need we say more? Additional performances include Victoria Stilwell, star of The Animal Planet's hit series 'It's Me or The Dog', who will take the stage opening day, November 1^st as well as the President's Choice SuperDogs.
• The a-MAZE-ing Food Journey: Ever wonder where your food comes from? Walk the path your food takes from farm to table with this interactive exhibit. A fun way for both kids and parents to learn about, and play with, their food.
• AGtivity Central: Fun for the young ones, including face painting, mini tractor races and a farm-inspired playscape and dress-up area.
• For The Love of Food: Royal visitors are introduced to the complete story of their food by meeting farmers, producers, scientists, health professionals and of course, chefs, all sharing their passion for food.  Features include a working greenhouse, an edible garden, "Cook the Books" competition, as well as Health Professionals Night.
• Royal Agricultural Competitions: The Royal celebrates the very best in Canadian agriculture.  Taste champion wines and cheeses at a daily "cinq a sept" (5 p.m. - 7 p.m.) event or try to pick the winners of the National Hereford Show and East National Dairy Goat Show on opening weekend, November 1-3.
• The Royal Chef Challenge 2013: The Royal will deliver what no other event can - the best in celebrity and small town chefs combined with fresh local ingredients. We have taken this quest for the best on the road, visiting local agricultural fairs looking for the best local chefs to square off against each other on the big stage at The Royal on November 2.
• The Royal Horse Show: The Royal Horse Show combines entertainment features to complement the athletic rigour and talents of the best in national and international equestrian competition. Sylvia Zerbini, formerly of Cavalia will entertain with her nine Arabian horses November 6-9 and horse whisperer Guy McLean will amaze and delight audiences from November 1-5. The Royal will also host daily equestrian events featuring some of the best Canadian and International riders competing for the title of Royal Champion. Highlights include the 2013 Greenhawk Canadian Cup, the Hickstead FEI World Cup and the Weston Canadian Open.
• The Ontario Toyota Dealers Rodeo: A Royal favourite, Amber Marshall of CBC's Heartland  will return to host the Ontario Toyota Dealers Rodeo on November 3.
• The Ricoh Big Ben Challenge:  Celebrating its 10^th year, The Ricoh Big Ben Challenge on November 9, will feature top international and Olympic riders and horses competing for a chance at the $75,000 prize.

A full schedule of The Royal's 2013 programming is available at royalfair.org/schedule. Discount tickets can be purchased online at royalfair.org or full price at the door. The Royal Horse Show tickets are also available online through royalfair.org.

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 91st Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 1-10, 2013 in the Direct Energy Centre and Ricoh Coliseum in Toronto. Visit royalfair.org for more information.

The Royal is Canada's leader in showcasing agricultural, food and equine excellence.

Image with caption: "The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair takes place in Toronto from November 1-10, 2013 (CNW Group/The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130923_C9421_PHOTO_EN_31145.jpg

Image with caption: "The Royal celebrates the very best in Canadian agriculture from November 1-10, 2013 (Ben Radvanyi Photography) (CNW Group/The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130923_C9421_PHOTO_EN_31146.jpg

Image with caption: "The new President's Choice Animal Theatre opens at the 2013 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (Ben Radvanyi Photography) (CNW Group/The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130923_C9421_PHOTO_EN_31147.jpg

Image with caption: "More than 800 entries will compete during The Royal Horse Show to be crowned the "Royal Champion" (Ben Radvanyi Photography) (CNW Group/The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20130923_C9421_PHOTO_EN_31148.jpg

SOURCE: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair

For Further Information about The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair:

Kelly Olive
MAVERICK
416-640-5525 x230
[email protected]