The importance of being at The Royal

TORONTO, Nov. 12, 2017 /CNW/ - The chance to meet the animals that provide our food, the smell of the barns, the love of agriculture are all part of the experience at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair. For the exhibitors who show their animals the connection is deeper. Many give of their time, talent and finances to support The Fair.

For roughly three-quarters of a century, members of the Eckstein family have been at The Royal showing Holsteins. Paul Eckstein began showing at The Fair several decades ago and he is now in his 80s. His son Ari has been coming to The Royal for 40 years, which is a good chunk of his life. The family owns Quality Holsteins and Quality Seeds in Vaughan, ON, and shows its commitment to The Royal's dairy show by sponsoring the Supreme Champion competition.

"The Royal is the premier dairy show in the world," Ari says. "There are only two major shows in North America – the World Dairy Expo and the other is The Royal." Five years ago Ari was asked to chair The Royal's dairy committee and he agreed because he is passionate about The Fair and dairy.

"The milk that we produce helps feed the world," Ari comments. "That's significant."

Choosing to be a major sponsor in addition to chairing the dairy committee demonstrates Ari's loyalty to The Royal. "This show is just so important to me," he admits. "I have a strong personal connection and it's important to show that support to the rest of the world."

Quality Holsteins has 14 cows out of a herd of about 250 at The Royal. "We had a great day," Ari says of the farm's one first place ribbon and six top five finishes. The farm had a grand champion a few years ago, which was a highlight for the family.

"If you don't have a passion for it, you don't do it," Ari says. "We'll be back next year." It's that kind of commitment that isn't obvious to the average fairgoer as they walk through the barns.

About The Royal:
The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is the world's largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show. This year, the 95th Royal Agricultural Winter Fair runs November 3 - 12, 2017 at Exhibition Place, Toronto. For competition schedules, live webcasting, results and to purchase tickets, please visit www.royalfair.org.

The Royal is supported in part by the Province of Ontario and City of Toronto.

SOURCE Royal Agricultural Winter Fair