The discovery of agriculture was the first big step toward a civilized life. — Arthur Keith
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It’s not a mistake that the word “culture” forms part of the word “agriculture.”
History shows that civilization literally grew out of agriculture. A food surplus allowed society to flourish, with increased trade and permanent settlement both arising from human’s ability to harness ecology to nourish increasing numbers of people.
One of my fondest memories of a childhood light-years away from the concept of agriculture was the annual school trip to the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair.
It wasn’t just the opportunity to get out of boring classes for the day, although that played a significant part, to be sure.
The Royal was more than just a typical school excursion for the city boy in me: it was a chance to enter the rural, agricultural life that was just outside the city limits, yet might as well have been a thousand miles away.
The Royal harkens back to a Canada almost forgotten, with wares of homesteading life on proud display. It presents a direct connection to the land that many modern Canadians take for granted.
The hewers of wood and drawers of water are honoured and feted. Their toil and sweat are present. The fruits of their labour are the draw.
A true taste of the country in the heart of the city: The Royal brings out the farmer in all of us.
Described as the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world, The Royal began in 1922 and has been a yearly fall fixture at the CNE grounds ever since.
It’s an event steeped in history and its message and draw have never been more important than today: it demands our attention because of its essential role in our lives. Knowing and appreciating your food source is not a trend or a novelty for those displaying their products at The Royal. It’s just how things are done.
Our children of today are spoiled by technological riches, where their every need is a touchscreen button away from fulfillment. The Royal allows them to slow down for a day, to truly immerse themselves in the idea of reaping and sowing.
The Royal is a virtual reality cornucopia except the reality isn’t virtual. It’s a hands-on approach that encourages participation. For a society willing to pay premium prices for the privilege of picking apples, the effect of this earthy, grounded event is almost liberating. For children used to instant gratification and a disposable consumer culture, this is a vital showcase of the very activity that built Canada.
A day at a friend’s farm isn’t available to most city kids. I was lucky enough to have a friend whose parents operated a farm, complete with hay rides, milking cows, and collecting maple syrup. These memories and experiences have stayed with me over the years. Every child should be blessed with the chance to be intimately connected to a source of nourishment directly related to one’s honest labour.
The 91st edition of the Fair keeps its agricultural traditions alive and strong while also giving a nod to the farming future. With billions of hungry mouths to feed, agricultural advancements have never been more critical. At The Royal, the best of modern agricultural practices are on display.
For a generation of children so far removed from the basis of what actually sustains them, The Royal serves a functional educational moment, where the cognitive light bulbs click on in a series of “Aha” moments.
Where else is a young boy from a Toronto housing project going to go to milk a cow? How else will an underprivileged child catch an equestrian event? Where else will you find a Jack Russell dog show in Toronto this fall?
Let’s not forget the tastes of The Royal! From fudge to fine dining, this fair runs the gamut of delectable treats.
Admission costs for children aged 4-17 are $16 at the door. Adult admission is $23. There are senior discounts and children 3 and under are free. You can save a few bucks by purchasing tickets online in advance. Group discounts for 10 or more are also available.
The Royal runs from November 1 to November 10, 2013 and is held in the Ricoh Coliseum and Direct Energy Centre at Exhibition Place.
To get a good overview of the various events taking place, consult the trip planner on the Fair’s website.
One word of practical advice: watch your step as you tour The Royal. Getting close to agriculture can be fun, but a bit messy!
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