NEWS RELEASE
ROYAL AGRICULTURAL WINTER FAIR
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Maple syrup runs in the McRae family. Jamie and Beth and their children Madeline and Sam create the delicious treat every spring and then they enter their product in The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair’s maple syrup competitions in the fall.
Despite his best efforts, Jamie cannot match his children’s success. Madeline, 8, was named champion of the youth maple syrup division for two firsts and one third place. Sam, 6, received two seconds and one third place.
“Last year Madeline was grand champion and I came in 4th,” Jamie says of his best placing in the adult division. “My goal is to someday do as well as the kids!”
Jamie and Beth have off-farm jobs and they make maple syrup as a hobby. The whole family is involved - from Sam carrying wood for the fire to Madeline labelling containers. Jamie says he may expand their syrup operation after he retires, but he feels their present production is very efficient and manageable.
“I like making maple syrup and I like tasting it,” Madeline admits. “I also like getting ribbons!”
The Whitney, Ont. family comes to The Royal every year. Besides taking in the horse show and watching the cattle circle the ring, they size up their competition in the display cases.
“My goal is to one day win one of The Royal trophies,” Jamie admits. “It’s difficult to do because it is the ultimate maple syrup competition but, if you win at The Royal, you’re the best in the world.”
The McRae’s see themselves – win or lose – as part of The Royal experience because they are helping to bring agriculture to the masses.
“One of the greatest things about The Royal is that it engages kids in agriculture,” comments Jamie. He will be helping Madeline and Sam with their entries again next year and he hopes they will continue to win ribbons. He crosses his fingers that he might win one as well.
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 Nov. 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.
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