Northern Ontario will again be in the spotlight of the annual Royal Agricultural Winter Fair (RAWF) as FedNor is ponying up $247,000 to re-establish the Northern Ontario Agri-Food Pavilion.
Nickel Belt MP Marc Serré, announced the grant for the 100th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair, which takes place Nov. 4-13 at Exhibition Place in Toronto.
The money is in addition to previously-announced funds for a total of $671,616 for the 2022 event. The pavilion gives businesses the opportunity to find new markets outside of the north,
This year will mark the Fair’s centennial, while also serving as a return to in-person events following two years of virtual events as a result of the pandemic.
Up to 55 Northern Ontario agri-food producers and organizations will participate in this year’s fair through the Northern Ontario pavilion.
The pavilion provides over 7,000 square feet of exhibitor space and attracts businesses from all 11 districts of the North.
The Northern Ontario Agri-food Pavilion is the largest exhibit at the fair.
Special events at the Northern Ontario pavilion included food samplings, a chef competition, as well as taste testing offered by Northern Ontario beer, wine and spirits producers.
“I am happy that FedNor is once again helping the agri-food sector of northern Ontario participate and join in on the 100th anniversary celebrations of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair," says Serre. "This investment is going to help draw attention to northern Ontario’s exceptional offerings while supporting our agri-food businesses in their continued growth and success.”
FedNor has been participating in the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair since 2000.
The Royal is the largest combined indoor agricultural fair and international equestrian competition in the world.
With over one million square feet of displays and competition facilities, it draws in 300,000 visitors annually.
The focus this year will be paying tribute to the RAWF’s heritage and 100-year history.