The Ilderton Fall Fair

2019 Fair Ambassador

When I decided to compete in the 2019 Ilderton Fair Ambassador competition last August, I had no idea all the wonderful experiences this year would bring.

Prior to the fair, I visited local schools to promote the fair and agriculture within our community. I had a blast speaking with the kids and hearing their excitement about the fair. This furthered my anticipation of the fun the impending weekend would bring. I also had the opportunity to participate in the Agriculture Awareness Day with the grade three students. It was an awesome experience seeing the animals up close and I learned a lot!

In true Ilderton Fair fashion, regardless of the rain, it was a successful year! It was a joy attending various events throughout the weekend and meeting many people from our community and beyond. The Pie and Steer sale were a great success for all. Despite years of attending the fair, this was the first time I attended the Team Sorting event in the Agriplex – definitely a highlight of my weekend. A couple of friends from Toronto visited the 2019 fair and still talk about how much fun they had. The Ilderton Fair really does have something for everyone, no matter your age or background!

Following the fair, I participated in the Coldstream Santa Claus parade, a cold and fun night for everyone. I was also able to attend events with District 13 including our annual meeting and the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies 2020 Convention in February. It was a great weekend to connect with other ambassadors and listen to presentations concerning agriculture within Ontario.

This year as Ambassador has provided me a glimpse into the hard work the many volunteers in our community put into the fair. The Ilderton Fair truly would cease to exist without the time and support of these individuals and all they do to ensure an enjoyable weekend for all.

As I write this in the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic, the future for all is unknown. Despite this, the sense of community in Ilderton truly comes alive in these trying times. People continue to support one another and lend a helping hand wherever possible. We are luckier now more than ever to have this community to fall back on.

To close, I want to extend a huge thank you to all the volunteers and sponsors of our 2019 Ilderton Fair. Without your hard work and commitment, the fair in its entirety would not be possible. Personally, I want to thank Lisa, Barbara, Karen, Abbey, Lauren, Joan, Carolyn, Bonnie, Bill, Chris, Jennifer, Sheila, the Ambassador Committee, and Agricultural Society for their unwavering support this past year.

See you all at the fair (hopefully)!