One of the most rewarding things about living in a small town is that no matter where you go, somebody always knows your name.
There will always be someone who says hello, lends a helping hand or brightens your day with a smile. It is a community where people live by working hard and give as much as they can while expecting nothing back in return.
The people involved with the Arthur Agricultural, Society fall nothing short of this description, and it has been my honour and pleasure to represent them, and the community of Arthur, as the 2011-12 Arthur Fall Fair Ambassador.
My experience as ambassador has been an incredible journey. I was given the privileges of visiting various fairs, attending the Annual District Seven meeting in Wellesley, partaking in The Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies Convention in Toronto, taking part in various ambassador competitions and many community events, all with the honour of representing the Arthur Agricultural Society.
I am so fortunate to have been able to participate in these opportunities, and I know that I could not have done it alone. I had such wonderful people believing in me the entire way through, and always providing me with more support than I could have ever imagined.
First, I would like to thank the Arthur Agricultural Society. This wonderful, hardworking group of people immediately took me under their wings and supported me, whether it was answering any questions I had, helping me prepare for competitions, or simply believing in me and my abilities to represent them.
Next to the ambassador committee; I could not think of better people to turn to for advice. Mandy Hansen, Jenny McFadden and Kelsey Allen, thank you for being there for me through this experience. You gave me the advice and skills I needed to fulfill my role as ambassador, and I could not have asked for better inspiration and guidance.
Debbie Atkinson, you have become a second mother to me. You always were there for me, whether it was driving me to and from events, helping me prepare for competitions, or encouraging me to do my best. Thank you so much for all of the time and effort you put into this past year.
I also would like to thank John Benham and Sons Carpentry who agreed to sponsor me last fall in running for the role of ambassador. There is no one else I would have wished to have had by my side during that experience, and I am so thankful for the continual support you gave me.
To my friends and family: I am so blessed to have such amazing people believing in me, and giving me the support I needed to be able to represent the Arthur Agricultural Society the best I could. Words cannot describe how thankful I am for everything you did for me.
Although my role as ambassador is coming to a close, I have no doubts the friends I have made, the lessons I have learned, and the memories I have will always be a significant part of my life. This opportunity has been life changing and again, I thank everyone I met, worked with and who believed in me throughout my experience.
It has been an honour to represent the Arthur Agricultural Society and I hope everyone will come out and participate in the fun and excitement at this year’s 156th fair.
