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.

Day-old chicks

And the very big.

First Prize Giant Pumpkin

Imagine losing out to the 1241.7 pound pumpkin…

A 1241.6 pound pumpkin. How much is that in pies?

They came in pairs…

Two Llamas

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

Four-day-old piglets

They came with big ears…

Some sort of goat whose breed I forget

And  no ears.

LaMancha Goats - An affectionate breed with no external ears

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

I said I wanted a double-double!

Or sheep dressed up for Halloween?

Actually, I'm keeping clean before the big show...

Or the most ironic sign on earth?

Sheep owners claim their animals are more intelligent than dogs. Discuss...

Or rainbow coloured chickens

According to the owner, there silkies are coloured with fruit juice and enjoy the process because they like being given a bath.

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.

Just kidding around.

Back to food tomorrow…