Welcome to the 139th Grand Valley Fall Fair. Ever since I was little, the fair has always been the best part of fall for me; from entering my crafts and baking to showing my sheep and racing my lawn tractor. For some people the fair is a chance to reconnect with friends and family. For others, it’s a chance to show off what they’ve done or try something new. But for all of us, our fair is a symbol of our rural heritage.
I’ve had the most amazing time being a Junior Ambassador this year. The ambassador program has blessed me with so many opportunities. My co-ambassador Amanda and I have not only gotten the opportunity to represent Grand Valley at our local fairs but also at the Royal Winter Fair. You would be surprised at how many people stop you when you’re wearing a sash and tiara. We’ve definitely put Grand Valley on the map.
We’ve had the opportunity to participate in our community events too. At the Santa Claus parade, Amanda and I wore our Stetsons and cowboy boots and greeted all of the kids along the parade route with candy. I can’t wait to attend Grand Valley’s sesquicentennial (150th anniversary) celebrations this summer. What a milestone!
I plan to always be a member of the Agricultural Society and continue to be a part of the fair. I would like to encourage other guys and gals to join in the ambassador program this fall. It’s a chance to make new friends, meet new people and connect with your rural community. I’m reminded of a quote from one of my favourite songs by Natasha Bedingfield, “Today is where your book begins. The rest is still unwritten.” Being a Junior Fair Ambassador will be a memorable chapter in my book. Finally, I would like to thank my family and friends for the support they have given me throughout my time as co-junior Fair Ambassador. I would also like to thank the Grand Valley Agricultural Society for all of the opportunities they have given me this year. It’s been a blast!
See you at the fair.
Sarah Rooyakkers
2010-11 Co-Junior Ambassador
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This year as co-junior fair ambassador for Grand Valley 2010-2011 has been an absolute pleasure.
To be honest, I really didn’t know what I was getting into at first. But I have learned a lot and extremely enjoyed doing things such as promoting the fair which meant and still does mean a lot to me. As we know,
Grand Valley isn’t a very large place and not well known. Everywhere we went, Sarah and I promoted our fair and educated people about agriculture in general. Having my co-ambassador Sarah with me this year has made it all the more fun and memorable. With all of our input of fresh ideas to add to the fair, I am certain that the fair will attract more people and make it even better for everyone going each year.
I would also give a huge thank you to everyone that made this all possible for me: Donna Marie Davison (my sponsor), Tina Hodgins (co-organizer of the program), all of the other organizers for the program, every one that has given Sarah and me rides to events and the judges at speech night.
The one thing that I really want people to take away from my experience of being a co-junior fair ambassador is how awesome it is. I know that a lot of people won’t even have considered doing it because you have to get up and give a speech. But really it’s not that bad. I get really nervous when I give speeches but believe me it’s worth it. All you really have to do is go up there and speak your mind about the fair or about agriculture in some way and I’m positive that each and every one of you can do that. You only have a few years in your life to experience this wonderfully fun opportunity. I expect you to take the risk and have loads of fun.
Amanda McCutcheon,
2010-11 Co-Junior Ambassador
