FERGUS — Mary Brander, 17, of Rockwood, has been named the 2023 to 2024 Fergus Fall Fair Ambassador.
She was one of three competitors who participated in the Fergus Agricultural Society’s 43rd ambassador program held on Sept. 10 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
“I am honoured to be selected as this year’s fair ambassador and I’m very excited to get involved in the fair this weekend,” she says.
Brander is in her first year of studies at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Agricultural College in the Bachelor of Science in Agriculture program. She is actively involved in her family’s dairy farm, Branderlea Farms.
Mary Brander is announced the winner of the ambassador competition. She told the Advertiser she feels very excited to represent the Fergus Fall Fair and it was a lot of fun to be part of the competition.
As an active member of Wellington County 4-H, Brander has completed over 60 projects and serves as a youth leader. She has passion for educating the public about agriculture and food, and would like to work in the large animal health field in the future.
Brander helps her family host the Rockwood Farmers’ Santa Claus Parade of Lights, is involved in her church and plays hockey, soccer and rugby.
In the year-long ambassador role, Brander will represent the Fergus Agricultural Society at the Fergus Fall Fair and other community events.
She will participate in the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) convention and Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) ambassador program in 2024.
Other competitors were Rachel Driedger of Alma and McKenna Hulse of Marsville.
All participants prepared a poster board display, completed an interview with a panel of judges, presented a speech and answered an impromptu question.
The Fergus Fall Fair is an annual showcase of local agriculture, food, talent and rural fun.
The 186th Fergus Fall Fair, themed “Country Fun for Everyone,” runs Sept. 15 to 17 at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex.
Visit fergusfallfair.ca for the complete schedule of events.
