Hannah MacDonald of Ripley crowned CNE’s Ambassador of the Fairs

Hannah MacDonald, the Ripley-Huron Fall Fair ambassador, representing the Ripley Agricultural Society, has been crowned the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE)’s Ambassador of the Fairs.

The announcement was made Sunday night.

As the newly-crowned CNE ambassador, Hannah will participate in a series of official duties at Canada’s largest fair, including special appearances, while also representing her local agricultural community. The exclusive, year-long role will also take her across Ontario as a representative of the CNE and all agricultural fairs in the province.

“I am honoured to be named the 2024-25 CNE Ambassador of the Fairs,” said Hannah. “For the next 15 days, I will be spending my time in Toronto, representing and exploring the CNE. I am so incredibly proud to be representing Ripley as I take on this new chapter in my life!”



Randy Bauslaugh (right), president of the CNE Association, presents an award to Hannah MacDonald of Ripley, the 2024 CNE ambassador; photo by Harrison Haines, CNE

The first runner-up was Faith Knechtel of the Stratford Agricultural Society, and the second runner-up was Rebecca Smith of the Sunderland Agricultural Society. The Congeniality Award, voted by fellow contestants, went to Kari Hill of the Six Nations Agricultural Society.

The remaining semi-finalists were Jaykob Thompson of the Dundalk District Agricultural Society, Briar Shepherd of the Erin Agricultural Society, Hayley Shiell of the Milverton Agricultural Society and Ava Horwood of the Petrolia and Enniskillen Agricultural Society.

Fifty contestants travelled from across Ontario to compete at the CNE, with seven semi-finalists selected to participate in the final round, Sunday. Finalists were interviewed and judged on a wide range of criteria, including knowledge of the CNE and Canadian agriculture, poise, self-confidence, public speaking and overall impression.

The Ambassador of the Fairs program is a long-standing tradition at the CNE, aiming to educate and celebrate Canada’s rich history in agriculture. The program has seen more than 3,000 contestants from more than 100 communities across the province throughout its 50 years.

The 145th annual CNE continues until Sept. 2.



Leah Lai (left) of the Lindsay Agricultural Society, 2023 CNE Ambassador of the Fairs, congratulates Hannah MacDonald of the Ripley Agricultural Society, this year’s CNE ambassador; photo courtesy of the Ripley Agricultural Society



Ripley-Huron Fall Fair ambassador Hannah MacDonald (back row, fourth from left), gathers with the other ambassadors at the CNE; photo courtesy of the Ripley Agricultural Society