Royal Agricultural Winter Fair – Walk with the Animals

Sometimes I fail as a food blogger. While I attended the Canadian Culinary Book Awards at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair last Friday, surrounded by award winning cookbook authors and the biggest names in Canadian Cuisine, my camera sat safely in the media room.

And when I retrieved my camera for the post-ceremony reception, the room was too crowded to take a shot. So I elbowed my way from food station to food station with a bulky point-and-shoot pressing into my sternum for no good reason at all.

Once the festivities were over, I did manage to tour the Fair and put my poor squashed camera to use. For those who aren’t familiar with The Royal, it’s the world’s largest indoor agricultural fair set in the heart of downtown Toronto.  Each year,  more than a quarter of a million visitors flock to see the horse show, food exhibits, giant pumpkins and farm animals. This year, the Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall toured The Royal on opening day, which added to the excitement —  and the traffic.

Without any time pressure, I wandered the stalls and talked to the animals and their owners. I learned a few things along the way, especially that I know very little about animals. Sorry Diva, there are no baby llamas this time, but for those who can’t resist four-legged creatures, here’s a glimpse of my non-foodie time at the Fair.

The exhibits featured the very small

And the very big.

Imagine losing out to the 1241.7 pound pumpkin…

They came in pairs…

And by the dozen (okay, there are nine, but who’s counting).

They came with big ears…

And  no ears.

Where else, but The Royal, would you see a pig scarfing coffee?

Or sheep dressed up for Halloween?

Or the most ironic sign on earth?

Or rainbow coloured chickens

In all, I took 129 shots. Of all the animals I saw that day, this little kid won me over, so I’ll end with him.

Back to food tomorrow…