Emery Harper crowned 2025 Ripley Reunion ambassador

Emery Harper has been named the 2025 Ripley Reunion ambassador.

Thursday night's ambassador competition and variety show officially kicked off the reunion, at the Ripley Arena as the village gears up for a weekend of events and activities to celebrate 150 years of community.

MC Murray Needham welcomed the crowd and said the reunion marks another 10 years of community spirit and everything that makes Ripley shine.

Reunion committee chairman Matt Farrell also welcomed everyone to the Ripley Reunion and thanked the many volunteers, sponsors and the reunion committee for their hard work and dedication to making this the best weekend ever.

“You are responsible for the fun you have at this event,” he said. “Thank you to the community, our committee and our families for their patience. Spend time with your family and friends this weekend and make some more great memories!”

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb said this is a great weekend to come back home to Ripley. “Ten years ago, I was at the 2015 reunion and I had the same haircut!”

Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson congratulated Farrell and his committee, and the community, on this wonderful celebration, and presented a certificate of recognition to mark the occasion.

Huron-Kinloss mayor Don Murray told everyone to enjoy the weekend and have fun, and when you see friends and reunion committee members, shake their hands and say Hi!

Needham then brought on stage the three contestants for the ambassador competition: Jackson Falconer, Madison Forster and Emery Harper. All three gave their impromptu presentations, followed by prepared speeches.

As the judges deliberated, six people participated in the Masked Singer competition. In Pool A, were the Sparkly Unicorn (Lana Tanner), Green Gorilla (Ron Rock) and Peacock (Mackenzie Burgess), and in Pool B, were the Jazzy Jellyfish (Ainslie Martyn), Wolves Duo (Elliott Lowry and Jacqueline Ball), and Deadpool (Madison Forster).

The Peacock and Deadpool made it to the finals, with the Peacock taking the win.

Marley (Martyn) Dales, 2015 Ripley Reunion ambassador, brought forward Lobb, Thompson and Murray to assist in presenting the citizenship awards. These awards recognize the outstanding efforts of individuals contributing to the community through a single significant initiative or over an extended period of time, having a positive impact on the community.

There are many deserving individuals in this community, said Dales, and the committee received a number of nominations. From those, the committee chose two winners: Dianne Simpson and Dennis Dewar. Receiving the emerging young leader, was Kennydi Nicholson, and receiving the friendship award, was Duncan Scott.

Emery Harper was then crowned 2025 Ripley Reunion ambassador.

The reunion continues with Back-to-School Saturday morning, followed by the Mammoth Parade, Tug of War, Beer Garden Olympics and more. Sunday, features a volleyball tournament, community church service and lunch, and the Shirt Tail Dance. And Monday’s events include a Baby Crawl, Cozy Coupe Race for Kids, the Bed Races, and the Beard-Growing and Mullet Contest. The reunion ends with fireworks at dusk.

For more information, check the website at www.ripleyreunion.ca