Priya Kalra is new Kincardine Fall Fair ambassador

Priya Kalra has been crowned the new Kincardine Fall Fair ambassador, after winning the competition, held Friday night at the Connaught Park Pavilion.

Heidi Allen was named junior ambassador, and Ivy Cruickshank, 5, was named mini-ambassador.

The pavilion opened at 6 p.m., allowing people to view the many exhibits and displays.

About 80 people enjoyed the ambassador pageant which began with Nathan Smith on the bagpipes and his brother, Andy, on the drum, marching in the contestants, judges and dignitaries.

Kincardine mayor Anne Eadie welcomed everyone and officially declared the 166th Kincardine Fall Fair open.

"It's exciting that the fall fair pre-dates Confederation," she said. "So, hat's off to all the organizers and volunteers who started the Kincardine Agricultural Society and the fall fair 166 years ago, and to the many who keep it going year-after-year."

She congratulated the ambassador contestants and said that winning is nice, but the competition, itself, is important. "Country Pride is what it's all about - have a great time at the fair."

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb echoed those sentiments and said the hard work and dedication of local volunteers are what make this community so great. "This is a beautiful area and you have a first-rate show. Enjoy the fair!"

Lindsay Dykeman, president of the Kincardine Agricultural Society, welcomed everyone to the fair and thanked the sponsors and volunteers who help make the event possible.

Bessie Farrell announced the winners of the annual Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) service award, Keith and Gladys Hodgins, who were unable to attend.

The senior ambassador contestants, Belle Wilson and Priya Kalra, answered impromptu questions, and later gave their prepared speeches before the judges made their decision.

Junior ambassador contestant Heidi Allen also answered an impromptu question and gave a prepared speech.

MC Joe Carter welcomed four contestants to the stage in the first mini-ambassador competition, for children aged six and under. They included Grayson Hoffarth, 3, of London, Ivy Cruickshank, 5, Jacob Dykeman, 5, and Claire Ferguson, 5, all of Kincardine.

Grayson delighted the audience by stealing the show as he told Carter that he could do push-ups like Superman, and then proceeded to do so.

Ivy Cruickshank was named the new mini-ambassador.

Huron-Bruce MP Ben Lobb then took the stage to auction off the first-prize-winning pies and cakes, with proceeds going to the Kincardine Agricultural Society. There was also a silent auction in support of the agricultural society.

In her final duty as ambassador, Delage thanked the agricultural society and the ambassador committee for a great year. She also thanked the sponsors and her chaperone, Susan Cruickshank.

"My idea of community has been greatly expanded," she said. "I enjoyed representing Kincardine at other fairs and in parades, handing out awards at the Kincardine chamber of commerce awards night, marching with the Kincardine Scottish Pipe Band, and taking part in Multicultural Night."

She also gained a global perspective when she spent three months in India, which wasn't part of the ambassador program.

Earlier this year, she had the opportunity to spend time with other ambassadors at the District 10 convention, at the Miss Mid-West competition and at the CNE.

"I have made friendships and memories that will stay with me forever," she said. "I was proud to wear this sash and crown and represent my community for the past year. To the new ambassador, cherish every moment of your year and have fun."

After being crowned the new ambassador, Priya thanked everyone for coming out to support the event and urged everyone to have fun at the fair.

The fair continues Saturday and Sunday, with the parade beginning Saturday at 11:30 a.m. and marching from Victoria Park to the fairgrounds. There are animal shows all day, and plenty of activities and entertainment. Sunday, features Touch-a-Truck, and a miniature horse show.