First on the list of week-long run-up events for the Fergus Fall Fair is the naming of this year’s ambassador on Sep. 9.
The winner not only receives a scholarship but represents Fergus Agricultural Society at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Ambassadors of the Fairs Competition every year.
“I was able to expand my knowledge of agriculture and share my experiences with the community,” last year’s winner Emma Allen wrote in her ambassador message.
“It is very rewarding to share the importance of agriculture at the local fair, and especially with youth in the community.”
It was in this role that current president Andrew Taylor also got involved with the fair.
He was named ambassador in 2006. The early experience went on to shape Taylor’s opinion about the fair and what he thinks it should promote.
“As I sat there [at the monthly meetings] and listened, I realized there was a need or an opportunity for some younger people to get involved with the association,” he says.
He has been involved with the fair ever since and still looks for ways to appeal to younger groups.
To be eligible for the role, applicants must be a single person between the ages of 17 and 25. Each new ambassador is expected to give speeches at various events in Centre Wellington and attend regular meetings with the fair’s organizers. Applications officially closed Aug. 24.
