Agriculture Competitors

Shelley Peterson, President and Chairman of The Board

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the greatest indoor agricultural exhibition in the world, and I’m deeply honoured to be the Chair.

Like most Loyal Royals, I fell under its’ spell as a child. The smells, the tastes, the sights, the noises, the excitement—the Fair unfailingly brought the country to the city and opened the door to the best of country life. From my years of being a volunteer, to competing, to being a Board member, I’ve never lost that sense of wonder.

The past has given us much to celebrate. For close to a century, the Royal has grown in substance, quality and size. Complete with Superdogs, 4-H, butter tarts, honey, goats and rabbits, the Fair has become the highlight of the year for our exhibitors, and the hub of agricultural business locally and internationally. Every farm kid wants to show their calf in the Semex Ring of Excellence or jump their pony in the Coliseum. Horse enthusiasts from around the world eagerly come to the Royal to compete with the best of the best, in thrilling displays of equestrian skill in all its variety and glory.

The Royal strives to remain a leader in promoting agricultural awareness and education, in protecting the environment for our grandchildren, in celebrating new cuisine and chefs, in inviting our diverse communities to share the Royal experience, and in encouraging our youth to seek jobs in the agricultural sector. In the face of climate change and evolving dietary choices, The Royal is at the forefront of farming in Canada.

The unavoidable cancellation of the 2020 and 2021 Fair has given us a unique opportunity to create a new and exciting Virtual Royal this November. Although nothing compares to the real thing, there will be Royal food competitions, and much, much more to enjoy, engage and participate in. And in Royal style, we’re creating a spectacular Centennial celebration for the 100th anniversary in November of 2022 that will make us all proud.

With an extremely strong Board, CEO and staff, and the thousands of volunteers, exhibitors, sponsors, supporters, and fairgoers who cherish this historic institution, we have the team to nurture the excitement, the vibrancy, and the magic that is the Royal.

Thank you for your trust and support and good counsel, as we honour the past and embrace the future.