Jennelle Smeltzer is new Ripley-Huron Fall Fair ambassador

Jennelle Smeltzer is the new Ripley-Huron Fall Fair ambassador, after winning the competition, Friday night at the Ripley-Huron Community Centre.

MC Jocelyn Elliott welcomed everyone to the 36th annual ambassador competition, and introduced the judges, Danielle Sutton, Kayla Bishop and Kaitlyn O'Neil.

The contestants then introduced themselves and their sponsors: Jennelle is the daughter of Dan and Darlene Smeltzer and was sponsored by Smeltzer's Garden Centre; Alexa Collins-Gallant is the daughter of Lisa and Kyle Gallant and was sponsored by Allure Beauty and Medi Spa.

Karl Heinisch, president of the Ripley Agricultural Society, welcomed everyone to the 154th annual Ripley-Huron Fall Fair. He thanked all who helped put the fair together, especially the many volunteers, and added appreciation to those who support the fair.

The ambassador contestants answered impromptu questions, and later gave their prepared speeches. Both talked about their love of the annual fall fair and their pride in their community and the many volunteers who work hard to make this a great place to live. The judges then left to deliberate.

Bethany Wilken, the 2016-17 Ripley-Huron Fall fair ambassador, welcomed eight youngsters to the stage for the Prince and Princess competition. The contestants included Summer Gallina, Evany Neitzel, Owen Neitzel, Chris Searson, Callie Falconer, Emily Ricica, Linnaia Vander Woude and Lily Nixon. The winners were Chris and Lily, with everyone receiving gifts.

Talented musician and singer, Maggie Durnin of Kingsbridge, provided entertainment as she played guitar and sang for the crowd.

Auctioneer Jonny Murray then took to the stage and auctioned off the first-prize-winning pies and cakes, bringing in a total of $3,025 to support the Ripley-Huron Community School Grade 7 trip to the Royal Winter Fair.

Fran Farrell, homecraft division president, thanked Bethany for doing such a great job as ambassador, and presented her with a gift.

Bethany then gave her farewell speech, offering the top five highlights of her year as ambassador:
 

• No. 5 - learning about agriculture and having a greater appreciation for farmers.
• No. 4 - the parades, waving at the children and hearing them say, "Oh, look, a princess!"
• No. 3 - developing communication skills; the impromptu speeches were the most challenging part; she learned to better communicate and promote her fair and her community.
• No. 2 - establishing new relationships, and appreciating the face-to-face network opportunities.
• No. 1 - learning the value of hard work and determination.

She thanked the Ripley Agricultural Society for allowing her such a great opportunity and for such a wonderful year. To the new ambassador, she said, "Wear your crown and sash with pride, in your fair and your community."

Bethany then presented the crown and sash to Jennelle who thanked everyone for attending the ambassador competition, and thanked the volunteers for their hard work and dedication. "Have a great weekend at the fair."