Rylee Evans is new Tiverton Fall Fair ambassador

Rylee Evans has been named the new Tiverton Fall Fair ambassador, while Gina Spiridaki was first runner-up, and Hailey Woods was second runner-up.

The Ambassador of the Fair pageant was held Friday night, to officially kick off the 155th Tiverton Fall Fair.

Held at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre, the event began with Canadian Reversible Plowing Champion Tom Evans, also president of the Tiverton Agricultural Society, welcoming everyone to the fair.

"This is our opportunity to celebrate our village and the surrounding area - the community we call home," he said. "Next door (in the annex) and around the fairgrounds, are exhibits of our community's talents and passions. Thanks to all the volunteers, especially our secretary Dianne Todd and treasurer Audel Tuft, for all their hard and dedication to the fair. I now officially open the 155th Tiverton Fall Fair."

Ann Veyvara-Divinski of Southampton then took over as MC for the show, with 2015-16 ambassador Danielle McBride bringing forward the contestants for Prince and Princess of the Fair, including Harlow and Scarlett Stevenson, Asha and Averee Hamann, Taylor and Taylin Taverner, and Hudson Ruthven. The winners of the pageant, were Taylin and Hudson.

The three contestants for ambassador of the fair were then introduced and gave their speeches, wearing fashions by Baxter's Row Fashion of Kincardine.

While the judges deliberated, Steve Deer of Kincardine did a superb job, singing some good old country tunes, accompanying himself on guitar.

Auctioneer Rodney Ribey then took to the stage to auction off the prize-winning cakes and pies. There were 18 entries, bringing in almost $2,400 for the Tiverton Agricultural Society. The following were the results:
 

• Cranberry-apple pie, Anne Marie Gomes - $85
• Gum drop cake, Linda Scott - $35
• Pecan pie, Islay Eby - $60
• Apple pie, Joyce Woods - $175
• Coffee cake, Leona MacPherson - $40
• Flat-pan, single-boil maple syrup, Glen Taylor - $30
• Fall fair theme cake, "Country Wide, Country Pride," Anne Marie Gomes - $105
• Strawberry-rhubarb pie, Islay Eby - $230
• Raisin pie, Colleen Craig - $150
• Apple pie, Anne Marie Gomes - $270
• Men's chocolate cake, Steve Bowley - $110
• Pecan tarts, Laurie Convay - $180
• Carrot cake, Joyce Woods - $200
• Apple pie, Melanie MacPherson-Snow - $290
• Pear pie, Laurie Convay - $110
• Pumpkin pie, Susan VanDiepen - $50
• Cherry lattice pie, Joyce Woods - $190
• Butter tarts, Glen Taylor - $70

Evans presented the Award of Distinction to Doreen Soloduka, a former agricultural society president, fall fair promoter, and a member of the ambassador committee. The award recognizes service, hard work and being an awesome person.

Leanne Gowing presented a $500 bursary, from the agricultural society, to Danielle McBride who is at Wilfrid Laurier University in Waterloo, taking a Bachelor of Arts degree in global studies.

As she gave her farewell speech, Danielle thanked the agricultural society for the opportunity to step out of her comfort zone multiple times.

"As I participated in many events, it made me appreciate my community of Tiverton, and proud to represent my home town," she said, adding that by attending the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) convention in Toronto and then the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE), also in Toronto, she made new friends and many great memories.

To the new ambassador, she said, "Participate in all you can. The 12 months go by quickly. It was a great experience that I will always remember."

The Tiverton Fall Fair continues Saturday and Sunday, with the parade at noon on Saturday, along with many great events and activities both days.