Hailey Allen is new Kincardine Fall Fair ambassador

Hailey Allen is the new Kincardine Fall Fair ambassador.

The 17-year-old daughter of Scott and Shannon Allen, was crowned at the ambassador pageant Friday night, which kicked off the 164th annual fair, at the Connaught Park Pavilion.

Andy Smith on the drums, and his brother, Nathan, on the bagpipes, both of Kincardine, led the organizers, judges, contestants and dignitaries to the stage at the start of the pageant.

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie welcomed a great crowd to the event and said it takes a strong rural community to keep the fall fair going for 164 years.

"The fall fair bridges the gap between the rural and urban communities," she said. "Fewer people live on farms and on the concession roads. So, congratulations to the organizers and the many volunteers who have rejuvenated the Kincardine Fall Fair.

"On behalf of the Municipality of Kincardine, the council and staff, I wish you all the success as we celebrate all things agricultural this weekend. I declare the 164th Kincardine Fall Fair officially open!"

Also bringing congratulations to the Kincardine Agricultural Society, its fair organizers and volunteers, were Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb and Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson.

The ambassador candidates modelled casual fashions by A Delicate Edge, and later modelled evening wear by Baxter's Row Fashion.



Irelyn Nixon performs at the Kincardine Fall Fair ambassador pageant Friday night

Providing entertainment, were Irelyn Nixon of Huron-Kinloss Township with her delightful Irish dancing; Owen Nixon of Huron-Kinloss Township with his talented fiddle-playing; and Annie Colquhoun of Kincardine with her skillful Highland dancing, accompanied by her father, Craig, on the bass drum.



Annie Colquhoun performs Highland dancing, accompanied by her father, Craig

In her prepared speech, Hailey told the crowd that Kincardine is a warm and friendly place to grow up. She played many sports and was involved in 4-H. She always enjoyed the Monday Market, and the Saturday Night Pipe Band Parades.

"I am a fourth-generation Kincardinite, and if chosen ambassador, I would love to help support this wonderful community that I call home. It's a small town with a big heart - I'm very proud of my hometown."

On behalf of the Kincardine Agricultural Society and the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS), Bessie Farrell presented this year's service diploma to Dave and Dianne Cook, treasurer and assistant, with the agricultural society.

In her farewell speech, 2014 Kincardine Fall Fair ambassador Sadie Shewfelt said she could not believe a year had gone by since the ambassador pageant was restored to the fall fair in Kincardine.

"It has been a year of excitement and a huge learning curve," she said, noting that she thoroughly enjoyed the OAAS Convention at the Royal York in Toronto, and that the weekend at the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) in Toronto was an amazing experience.

"We had the chance to show off our community in a city of millions," she said. "People would come up to us and say Kincardine was their favourite vacation spot. One thing about Toronto, though, it needs a lot more rural aspects."

To the four ambassador contestants, Sadie said they would all make great ambassadors. "I'm proud of all of you."

She thanked the Kincardine Agricultural Society, and especially Margaret Visser, for bringing back the ambassador pageant. She also thanked her family and friends and the McConnells for all their help and support throughout the year.

After Hailey was crowned the new ambassador, she thanked everyone for coming to the event. "I appreciate your support, it has meant so much to me."

The fall fair continues Saturday, with animal shows, displays, and the parade, followed by the Saturday Night Dance to Steve Deer and Friends, and then DJ Ryan Berry; admission is $10. Events on Sunday, include a miniature horse show, and a remote control demonstration with trucks, cars and helicopters.

Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for children, ages six to 12, and free for children ages five and under.