A highlight of the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair in Toronto is the judging of the top farm animals, including this award-winning dairy cow. (Handout)

TORONTO, Ont. - How many pies could you make from a pumpkin topping the scales at more than a half-a-tonne?

Or, how much relish would come from a 10-foot-long (3.048-metre) zucchini?

We're talking monster veggies here and it's hard to keep them down on the farm when you grow them this big.

These huge freaks of nature, along with their attentive growers, are ready to roll into the big city to strut their stuff.

Farmers who have pampered, prepared and produced their record-size veggies will use cranes to hoist this year's several pumpkins topping the scales at 1,000-pounds (453.5 kilograms) plus.

It's all part of when "the country comes to the city" for the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair at Exhibition Place in Toronto from Nov. 5 to 14.

"Now in its 88th year, the Royal lets urban dwellers experience the magic of the country," said publicist Tiffany Fisher.

The giant vegetable competitions are among the crowd favourites as growers compete and vie for that coveted spot in the Guinness World Records.

Recent record breakers include the longest gourd, at more than nine feet (2.74 metres), in 2005; the biggest squash at 86 pounds (39 kilograms); a monster 77.8-pound (35.28-kilogram) rutabaga; and a tale (eggplant) towering 15 feet, three inches (4.66 metres).

The competitions also include carrots, zucchinis, onions, sunflowers and you name it.

The fair itself as the "world's largest combined indoor agricultural and equestrian show," attracts some 340,000 visitors.

They come to see innovations in food and agriculture, thousands of livestock animals and dozens of the world's top equestrian horses and riders.

Crowd pleasers are the livestock barns, horse shows and animal acts while new shows and exhibits include horse hockey, celebrity chef competitions, concerts and the Family Fun Stage.

"Urbanites have the special opportunity to experience authentic country life and - not only learn about where our food comes from - but actually see animals and agriculture up close," said fair ceo Bob Jadavji.

The Nov. 5 opening features Food Network cake-creator Duff Goldman from Ace of Cakes who will make an original masterpiece.

Duff will also judge a pastry competition between TV chef David Adjey and Anthony Mair of Toronto's Harlem Underground.

On Nov. 6, is a horse show and polo-style hockey with legends Paul Coffey, Darryl Sittler and Rick Vaive saddled up on their steeds.

The Royal Rodeo rounds out the weekend on Nov. 7 with barrel racing, bronc and bareback riding, and bull riding, called the "toughest sport in the world."

Through the week, the fair rocks with musical entertainment winding up on Nov. 14 with a variety show hosted by London-native equestrian Amber Marshall from TV's Heartland. It includes a cattle-herding competition with retired NHLer Wendel Clark and Olympic hockey medalist Hayley Wickenheiser.

A North American highlight is the Royal Horse Show with world-renowned riders competing in Olympic disciplines including show jumping, dressage and other indoor events.

There are performances by the SuperDogs from flying Vizslas to Frisbee-playing bulldogs. On cue, these pooches jump gates, race through courses and dance.

Check out the "cash cows," the many bovine that are auctioned for more than $100,000.

Fairgoers can walk through the cattle stalls and watch them get washed, combed, clipped and blow-dried as their owners get them ready to compete.

There are the latest advancements in agriculture, such as a jet car powered by canola oil and a house filled with furniture made from grain.

Several on-site restaurants serve dishes made from local ingredients and there are samples of local cheese and jellies to whet the appetites of fairgoers.

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If you go:

The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair is at the Ricoh Coliseum, Direct Energy Centre, Exhibition Place (100 Princes' Boulevard) in Toronto. www.royalfair.org; info@royalfair.org; (416) 263-3400.

Hours are Nov. 5 and 6, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Nov. 7, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.; Nov. 8 to 13, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; and Nov. 14, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Admission is $20; $16, seniors (60 plus) and five to 17; free, to age four; $46, family pass for four. Horse show tickets, which include general admission, are from $28 to $85 a seat, all ages.

Jim Fox can be reached at onetanktrips@hotmail.com