Katie Daly
Updated on: October 10, 2024 10:26 pm GMT
In a vibrant ceremony on September 8, 2024, Emily Younghans was crowned the 2024-2025 Fergus Fall Fair Ambassador, showcasing the future of community engagement in the region. Younghans, a 21-year-old biochemical engineering student at the University of Guelph, excelled among a competitive field of candidates, embodying the values and interests of the Fergus Agricultural Society.
Highlights from the Ambassador Selection
Younghans emerged victorious from a pool of four contestants, including Sarah Shaw, Hailey Moyer, and Arielle Bauman. Each competitor participated in a rigorous selection process involving several key components:
- A formal interview with a panel of judges
- Creation of a display board about their personal achievements and interests
- Presentation of a speech highlighting their motivations and goals
- Response to an impromptu question designed to assess their quick-thinking abilities
This year’s ambassador program held at the Centre Wellington Community Sportsplex not only emphasized the candidates’ public speaking skills but also their passion for agriculture and community service. In her role, Younghans will serve as a representative of the Fergus Agricultural Society at various local events, including the highly anticipated Fergus Fall Fair.
Community Engagement and Support
The event was not only a platform for young leaders like Younghans but also a fundraiser for the ambassador program. Throughout the evening, attendees had the chance to bid on cakes decorated by the contestants, raising $820 to support further initiatives within the ambassador program. Scott Bessey of McArthur-Bessey Auctions facilitated this auction, adding a spirited element to the festivities.
Fergus Fall Fair: An Annual Celebration
The 187th Fergus Fall Fair, themed “Saddle Up,” is set to take place from September 13 to 15, 2024. Held at the same sportsplex, the fair promises to be a significant event for local farmers, artisans, and the broader community, showcasing the region’s rich agricultural heritage. Festivities will include an array of activities designed to engage attendees of all ages, from livestock exhibitions to displays of local crafts and culinary offerings.
Visitors can find a complete schedule of events on the official Fergus Fall Fair website at fergusfallfair.ca. The fair is an annual highlight for many families and serves as a vital link between urban residents and the agricultural roots of the community.
Activities at the Arthur Fall Fair
In addition to the Fergus Fall Fair, the village of Arthur also recently celebrated its own fair from September 6 to 8. The Arthur Fall Fair featured an array of attractions, including inflatables, livestock exhibits, and local vendors. This community gathering draws residents to enjoy homemade treats, learn about local agriculture, and participate in various wholesome activities.
Such events not only foster community spirit but also support local farmers and small businesses, emphasizing the importance of agriculture to these rural areas.
A Future in Agriculture
Emily Younghans’ selection as ambassador reflects a commitment to education and community service, particularly in agriculture. Actively involved with a local 4-H dairy club, she is passionate about connecting youth to agricultural practices. Her background in biochemical engineering further positions her as a knowledgeable advocate for the farming sector, underscoring the importance of innovation and sustainability in agriculture today.
As she prepares to represent the Fergus Agricultural Society at the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) convention and the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) ambassador program in 2024, Younghans aims to inspire others to appreciate the value of local agriculture and engage with their communities.
The Fergus Fall Fair and the new ambassador show how much our community cares about leadership and celebrating farming traditions. These events are important because they help keep the values and skills of farming alive for future generations. As the fair gets closer, everyone is getting excited to see all the wonderful things that Fergus and the nearby areas have to offer!
