News
TRH open the 2009 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, Toronto
6th November 2009
The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall today opened the 2009 Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto, Ontario.
Now in its 87th year, the Winter Fair showcases Canada’s best agricultural products and technologies.
The event is the world’s largest indoor agricultural show and international equestrian competition.
The Prince and The Duchess were each given tours of the fair with The Prince viewing sheep and goats, and meeting farmers, honey and maple syrup producers. He marvelled at a giant pumpkin he was shown weighing 1,200 lbs.
The Duchess viewed different breeds of horses before joining The Prince in visiting produce stands and to sampling their wares.
The Duchess tasted local cheese and chocolate and even tried a blueberry lollipop, as well as buying gifts for her two grandchildren - moose and racoon hats and some Christmas toys. She also purchased fudge, organic apple juice and cider.
One stall holder presented The Duchess with the unusual gift of some lavender shampoo for her horse.
Later, The Prince visited the Evergreen Brickworks regeneration project which is seeking to become an international showcase for urban sustainability and green design.
The Prince toured the facilities and met producers who contribute to a farmers market which takes place weekly to promote local sourcing and to provide a viable economic outlet for local produce.
The Prince and The Duchess later attended a traditional welcoming ceremony at the British Columbia Parliament Buildings, in Victoria.
TRH were greeted by the Premier of British Columbia, the Honourable Gordon Campbell. They enjoyed a First Nation welcome dance by Esquimalt First Nation dancers, before The Prince gave a short speech.