General Rules & Regulations


GENERAL RULES AND REGULATIONS


MAILING ADDRESS: Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, 39 Manitoba Drive, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, M6K 3C3

SHIPPING ADDRESS: Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Door #33, 39 Manitoba Drive, Exhibition Place, Toronto, ON, M6K 3C3

PARKING VIOLATIONS: The RAWF will not be responsible for payment of parking violations incurred by any person(s) prior to, during or after the RAWF

LIVESTOCK TRAILER PARKING: Each exhibitor is guaranteed ONE (1) trailer parking space on site and will be given their Trailer Parking Pass at the Security Checkpoint on Manitoba Drive upon arrival. Trailer arrival and departure times, as well as license plate information, must be confirmed with the Agriculture Show Office as early as possible. Requests for an additional trailer parking space must be made to the Agriculture Show Office prior to the entry deadline of the respective competition

ONTARIO HYDRO SAFETY REGULATIONS:The Ontario Electrical Safety Code Rule 2-022, requires that all electrical equipment must be approved before it may lawfully be advertised, displayed, offered for sale, sold, or otherwise disposed of or used in this Province. It is, therefore, the responsibility of each exhibitor to ensure that all electrical equipment in, on or about their booth comply with the above regulations. This includes electrical merchandise as well as lighting and display equipment. Should any of this equipment not comply, it is recommended that you request temporary permission to exhibit while the necessary electrical approval certification is being sought: Electrical Safety Authority Attn.: Provincial Code Engineer 155 Matheson Road West Mississauga, ON L5R 3L5 Tel: (905) 712-5363. Failure to comply could result in the equipment being refused connection to the source of electrical supply and may even be ordered to be removed from the display.

ELECTRICAL POWER: The electrical power in all buildings is 60 cycle. The outlets in most buildings have three prongs. All electrical appliances used in buildings where such outlets have been installed must be equipped with cords having three pronged grounded plugs.

COOKING APPLIANCES: No cooking units shall be allowed in the buildings.

ELECTRICAL SERVICES: All exhibitors must use the services of the in-house electrical company contacted through Enercare Centre.

ATTENTION UNITED STATES AND FOREIGN EXHIBITORS: PAYMENT OF FEES

  1. All fees must be paid in Canadian Funds.
  2. In order to obtain maximum premium on US funds, (1) pay by credit card, VISA or MASTERCARD accepted or (2) purchase a Canadian Dollar Draft or Money Order at your Bank or Post Office.
  3. DO NOT SEND cheques drawn on US Banks marked as “Payable in Canadian Dollars,” as we are unable to negotiate same. International exhibitors MUST pay the HST charges on their entries, as the service is being provided in Canada.
  4. CUSTOMS: Exhibits from the United States or any other foreign country will be admitted in bond without collection of duties, if returned within ninety days from date of importation. Exhibitors from outside Canada should contact the RAWF’s designated customs broker: Livingston Event Logistics 40 University Avenue, Suite 400, Toronto, ON, M5J 1T1. Tel 416-863-9339 or Fax 416-863-5149. Livingston Event Logistics have offices at most Ports of Entry to Canada. It is suggested that exhibitors contact Livingston Event Logistics well in advance of entry to Canada.
    U.S. Livestock Exhibitors – Import permits are necessary for temporary entry to Canada. Please refer to the Rules & Regulations for detailed permit instructions and requirements for Breeding Cattle imported from the United States to Canada on temporary status.

INTERPRETATION

  1. Throughout the Competition Book, The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair Association of Canada and The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair shall be referred to as the “RAWF” or “The Royal”.
    1. “Directors” means the Board of Directors of the RAWF
    2. “Chief Executive Officer” or “CEO” means the Chief Executive Officer of the RAWF
    3. “Judge” means the person(s) contracted by the RAWF to decide events/competitions/shows at such RAWF
    4. “Exhibitor” means any owner signing an Entry Form and/or the lessee, manager, agent nominator, driver, rider or employee of such owner
  2. The RAWF management has the final and absolute right to interpret these rules and regulations and to determine all matters, questions or differences in regard thereto, or otherwise arising out of, or in connection with, or incident to the RAWF.
  3. The RAWF management has the right to amend or add to these Rules and Regulations from time to time. Any exhibitor who violates any of the rules and regulations printed in the Competition Book will forfeit all privileges and premiums upon decision of the management. This may include any or all of the following:
    1. Prizes, awards, diplomas, certificates;
    2. Prize money;
    3. Forfeiture of any or all passes, entry fees and stall rental fees;
    4. Banned from exhibiting at future RAWF Events.
    5. This exhibitor may also be subject to such penalty as the Executive Committee may determine.

ENTRY PROCEDURE

  1. Exhibitors are encouraged to place their entries online where applicable.
  2. An entry will be considered valid only when the RAWF receives a properly completed and signed Entry Form including payment in full by no later than the entry closing date. The RAWF reserves the right to refuse any
    entry, at its sole discretion, and to return any entry fee without further liability. Closing dates are stated in each competition section.
  3. If the number of entries exceeds the capacity of the facility, The RAWF reserves the right to return entries.
  4. Payment of entry fees will be accepted by MasterCard/VISA or cheque. HST should be added to all fees quoted unless otherwise stated, and must be paid in Canadian funds. US exhibitors please refer to the U.S. and Foreign Exhibitors page.
  5. Exhibits that have been erroneously entered, may, at the discretion of the Manager, Agriculture, be transferred to their proper classes prior to judging.
  6. No substitution will be accepted after the entry closing date, except as referred to in the appropriate section
  7. Firms and co-partnerships entering exhibits for competition must be in existence at the time of making the entry and in all cases must be bona fide. Affidavits of the particulars of firms may be required by the Executive Committee.
  8. Unless otherwise specified, no entry is required for championships or specials, provided the animal or article is entered in the appropriate regular class. First and second prize winners are automatically eligible for championships.

EXHIBITS

  1. All exhibits shall be under the control and direction of the RAWF but solely at the risk of the exhibitor. The RAWF will not be responsible for damage, injury, loss or theft of any exhibit, irrespective of the cause of such damage, injury, loss or theft. Each exhibitor will be solely responsible for any damage, injury, loss or theft occasioned by or arising from any article exhibited by him/her and shall indemnify the RAWF against all legal or other proceedings in regard thereto.
  2. No exhibit shall be temporarily removed during the RAWF without the written authority of the Chief Executive Officer and this written permission shall be given only on leaving such deposit as the Chief Executive Officer shall specify, and the written authority shall state the departure time and return time of the exhibit. If the exhibit is not returned in accordance with the terms of the authority, the deposit will be forfeited to the RAWF.
  3. Under no circumstances will articles which are offensive by reason of their odour or appearance or which are dangerous by reason of their combustible or explosive character, be accepted or admitted, and if any such be allowed admission, through misrepresentation or otherwise, they must be removed by order of the Chief Executive Officer.
  4. No exhibit shall have overhead storage of any kind as It does not comply with the RAWF’s safety protocols.
  5. If required by the RAWF Management, an exhibitor shall make a statutory declaration that the article exhibited by them is exhibited in accordance with and in all respects comply with the rules and regulations of the RAWF. In case any exhibitor refuses to make such declaration, all premiums awarded to them shall be forfeited and all such articles shall be removed forthwith if so ordered by the Executive Committee
PLEASE NOTE: Ceiling covers are prohibited on tents. Non-compliance will result in RAWF staff removing ceiling covers. In addition, The Royal will fine the exhibitor at fault $500 which will be deducted from any prize money won or added to their invoice.

EXHIBITOR CONDUCT

  1. Any false representation, interference or unacceptable conduct on the part of an Exhibitor will be dealt with by the RAWF according to the circumstances of the case.
  2. Upon the discovery of any fraud, deception or dishonest practice, either in the preparation or ownership or of any misrepresentation concerning any article exhibited, which may have affected or have been intended to affect the decision of the judges, the Executive Committee has the power to withhold the payment of any prize awarded. The Executive Committee may prohibit any such party or parties from exhibiting at the RAWF For one or more years and may also publish the names OF such persons as may be deemed expedien
  3. Open Show Agriculture Livestock Exhibitors Alcohol and Cannabis Policy: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) complies with all existing laws that govern our event. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or cannabis at the RAWF is required to be done legally. The legal age of alcohol or cannabis consumption in Ontario is 19 years old. Violators of the laws may be subject to tickets and fines. Visual evidence of alcohol in public, unlicensed areas may result in immediate removal of the alcohol. The Enercare Centre and Coca-Cola Coliseum are smoke free facilities. In accordance with the Smoke Free Ontario Act, smoking is prohibited in the barns and indoor areas. The RAWF assumes no liability for any damages or injuries or death occurring as a result of any individual’s consumption of alcohol or cannabis. The RAWF reserves the right to have any individual(s) violating governing laws removed from Exhibition Place grounds along with their livestock entries. In the event of an eviction the RAWF is NOT responsible for any related cost incurred by the individual or related individual(s). Entry fees will NOT be refunded and prize monies, if applicable, will NOT be paid. Glass containers are prohibited in all agriculture livestock barns, including the Industry Building, North East Extension, Lower East Annex, beef tie-outs, wash areas and show rings.
  4. Agriculture Youth Competition Exhibitor Alcohol and Cannabis Policy: The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) complies with all existing laws that govern our event. Consumption of alcoholic beverages or cannabis at the RAWF is required to be done legally. The legal age of alcohol consumption in Ontario is 19 years old. In addition, alcohol and cannabis consumption is prohibited at any and all times, by all RAWF agriculture youth competition exhibitors while participating in all aspects of the Masterfeeds National Junior Beef Heifer Show, TD Canadian 4-H Dairy Classic, Youth Meat & Dairy Goat and Junior Sheep shows, RAWF Square Dance, Go For The Gold and Canadian Young Speakers for Agriculture competitions and any other youth competition not listed above, regardless if the individual is of legal alcohol or cannabis consumption age, while on Exhibition Place grounds during the full duration of each respective event. If an individual is 19+, ONLY FOLLOWING THE CONCLUSION OF THEIR RESPECTIVE YOUTH EVENT, will they reclassify as an Open Show Agriculture Livestock Exhibitor and the respective Open Show Agriculture Livestock Exhibitor Alcohol Policy will apply.
  5. Youth exhibitors found consuming alcohol or cannabis will be required to immediately leave Exhibition Place grounds along with their livestock entry(ies), regardless of whether the livestock is entered in any additional competition (Open or Youth). Additionally, the youth exhibitor will be banned from exhibiting in any further RAWF competitions during the present year, as well as any competitions in the following year. In the event of an eviction the RAWF is NOT responsible for any related costs incurred by the individual or related individual(s). Entry fees will NOT be refunded and prize monies or other recognition, if applicable, will NOT be awarded. A letter, from the expelled individual, requesting reinstatement will be required to be received by the Director, Agriculture and Food six months in advance of their next eligible RAWF. The expelled individual will only be eligible to compete in ANY RAWF com-petition once their case has been reviewed and they have
    eceived approval, in the form of a letter, from the Director, Agriculture and Food stating such. The RAWF assumes no liability for any dam-ages, injuries or death occurring as a result of any individual’s consumption of alcohol. Glass containers are prohibited in all agriculture livestock barns, including the Industry Building, North East Extension, Lower ast Annex, beef tie-outs, wash areas and show rings.
  6. The Enercare Centre and Coca-Cola Coliseum are smoke free facilities. In accordance with the Smoke-Free Ontario Act, smoking and vaping of any kind is PROHIBITED in the barns and indoor areas.
  7. Glass bottles are not permitted in the barn for safety and environmental reasons.
  8. It is the responsibility of each exhibitor to keep stalls, pens and/or exhibit areas clean and neat.
  9. Professional displays are encouraged. Space visible to the public and/or your neighbouring exhibitors must
    be finished attractively. Please see the display/tent* section on the entry form to apply.
  10. No pets will be allowed in the facilities with the exception of service dogs.

DISPLAYS

  1. Exhibitors will not be permitted to call attention to their exhibits in a noisy or disorderly manner. Only such signs and placards may be used throughout the buildings as the Chief Executive Officer shall approve and allow. The Executive Committee reserves the right to prescribe the dimensions and regulate the position of all signs, and generally to direct the arrangement of the exhibits, so far as the same may be necessary to secure harmony and an attractive appearance. Except with permission of the CEO, no person(s) will be permitted to distribute advertising matter in the RAWF Show Rings except from their exhibit, nor tack up or post any advertisement, bill, card, etc., except in the space occupied by the exhibitor.
  2. Undue noise or unseemly methods of demonstrations made in the operation of displays will not be tolerated. Noise levels of sound amplification equipment must not interfere with any other persons. The RAWF may terminate the use of any such equipment or methods. The final decision of what constitutes undue noise and unseemly methods shall rest with the RAWF.
  3. In an effort to best utilize the space in the barn for animal and exhibitor use, tents* and displays will only be permitted once the stalling plan has been finalized. Exhibitors wishing to have a display and/or tent must complete the tent/display application and submit it to the Agriculture Show Office along with entries before the respective entry closing date of each section.
  4. Tents/displays that are approved by RAWF Management will be subject to a fee. Tent space will be limited to 10x10. Tents and displays are to be incorporated into the stalling area. Tents and displays will not be permitted on the stalling row ends or against the building walls due to fire and safety protocols.
  5. Only one tent and/or booth is allowed per string and there must be a minimum of 5 head in the string. A tent is to be used for tack storage. A display booth is to be used for farm or animal promotion only. Any tents or displays that are not utilized in the appropriate manner, as deemed by management, will be removed. All tents and displays must post their permit for the clear view of the Fire Marshal and RAWF staff.
  6. Pop-up tents will be required to have an operable fire extinguisher positioned on the outside of the tent. The Fire Marshal has the authority to look in any pop-up tent, at any time, if there is probable cause. If possible, the Fire Marshal will check with string personnel prior to entry.
  7. Remember: Fire Regulations and enhanced grounds safety measures are designed for the protection and safety of you and your property.

JUDGES AND JUDGING

  1. Judges are expected to familiarize themselves with all the rules and regulations of the RAWF and to particularly note those bearing on the classes to be judged by them.
  2. In the absence of competition in any class, the judge will award such premium as they determine the exhibit deserves. They will exercise their discretion as to whether first, second or any premium will be awarded. Judges may not award prizes to unworthy exhibits.
  3. If there is any question regarding the legitimacy of an entry, or the right of an article to compete in any Section or Class, the judge shall report this to the Superintendent or clerk in charge.
  4. All judging documentation (each page initialed) must be signed with the judge’s regular signature and returned to the Agriculture Show Office as soon as the awards are completed. Judges should not leave the RAWF until they have ascertained that there are no protests against any of the awards in the classes they have judged
  5. The decision of the judges shall be final in all cases. However, should an exhibitor have a protest, the following procedure must be followed:
    1. All protests must be in writing and must state plainly the cause of complaint or appeal and must be delivered to the Chief Executive Officer and Agriculture Show Office Manager’s Office within two (2) hours of judging (for livestock). For all other competitions, complaints must be delivered to the CEO’s office within 48 hours of results posting;
    2. The protest must be accompanied by a deposit which will be forfeited if the protest is not sustained
    3. Deposit amounts are as follows: $100 Livestock (this includes livestock youth shows) and $50 Agriculture Product and Dance Competitions;
    4. No appeal from an award based upon a statement that the judge has overlooked an exhibit will be considered by the Executive Committee.
  6. Any exhibitor who by themself, their agent or employee interferes or shows disrespect to any judge during the performance of their duties on the premises occupied by the RAWF or is guilty of conduct calculated to bring the RAWF into disrepute shall be subject to any or all the forfeitures and/or penalties provided for in Rule #4

PROTESTS: All other protests must be made out to the RAWF in writing and accompanied by a deposit of $50. Such protests must plainly state the cause of complaint, concern or appeal and must be delivered to the CEO’s office within 48 hours of the event or visit.

SUPERINTENDENTS AND ASSISTANTS: Subject to the direction of the RAWF Agriculture Director and/or Manager, each Superintendent and/or assistant is responsible for the Section to which they are assigned. Consequently, exhibitors are required to follow their instructions in matters pertaining to the placing and showing of exhibits.

AWARDS: Prize money will be mailed as soon as possible after the close of the RAWF and will be paid in Canadian funds.

  • Exhibitors who do not receive their prize money by January 5th of the year following the RAWF, must apply to the Agriculture department for payment thereof, in writing, before January 10th, quoting specifics of the competition, class and placing.
  • The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair reserves the right to not process cheques in the amount of or less than $25.00 for all shows where prizes are being offered.
  • Ribbons and trophies will be awarded as follows:
    • First................................ Red
      Second.............................Blue
      Third............................. White
      Fourth............................ Yellow
      Fifth.............................. Green
      Sixth............................... Pink
      Seventh............................Purple
      Eighth............................ Brown
      Ninth............................ Orange
      Tenth...........................Pale Blue
      Championship.......... Red, White & Blue
      Reserve Championship. Purple, Pink & White
  • Trophies – Trophies offered for perpetual competition will remain in the custody of the RAWF. The name of each winner will be engraved thereon or on the plate attached thereto.
  • Each exhibitor shall agree that photographs taken of the exhibitor and/or exhibits by any photographer approved by the RAWF may be used for purposes of promotion by the RAWF or its official sponsors.

EXHIBITOR PASSES - UPDATED RULE IN 2024

  1. Large Livestock
    1. One exhibitor pass will be given out for the first large livestock entry, then one (1) pass for every two (2) subsequent entries, to a maximum og four (4) complimentary passes.
    2. Anyone entering The Royal grounds, including the barns, requires a pass. Passes must be worn at all times and presented if requested by security or staff.
    3. Passes are valid for the duration of The Royal.
    4. Advanced Exhibitor Passes will be available for purchase on Assist Expo for $25.00 until Friday October 25, 2024. After this date, Exhibitor Passes can be purchased at the Show Office for $50.00.
  2. Small Livestock
    1. If total entry fees are more than $25.00 you are entitled to one (1) complimentary pass. If more than $100 two (2) passes, if more that $175 three (3) passes, if more than $250 four passes.
    2. Anyone entering The Royal grounds, including the barns, requires a pass. Passes must be worn at all times and presented if requested by security or staff.
    3. Passes are valid for the duration of The Royal.
    4. Advanced Exhibitor Passes will be available for purchase on Assist Expo for $25.00 until Friday October 25, 2024. After this date, Exhibitor Passes can be purchased at the Show Office for $50.00.