CNE ambassador hopeful prepared by community
Four from Peterborough area competing at the CNE Ambassador of the Fairs Competition
NORWOOD — Alexa Vanderhorst admits preparing for the upcoming Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Ambassador of the Fairs Competition has been nerve-racking, but knows she is well prepared thanks to those around her.
“They have provided me with so much knowledge and support, which makes things so much easier,” said the 2017-18 Norwood Fair Ambassador, one of three Peterborough County residents who will compete from Aug. 17 to 19.
Vanderhorst, 18, will compete alongside more than 80 others from across Ontario, including Rebecca Stockdale, also of Norwood, Kristin Mann, of Selwyn Township, and Samantha Kennedy, of Omemee.
More than 1,300 contestants from more than 100 communities have taken part in the competition, now in its 47th year. It aims to promote, educate and celebrate Ontario’s rich history and heritage in agriculture.
Contestants are judged on a wide range of criteria, from their knowledge of the CNE and agriculture, to poise, personality and overall impression.
The winner of the year-long
Ambassador of the Fairs title gets to travel to fairs across the province, representing the CNE and their hometown fair, while promoting agriculture and the ambassador experience.
Vanderhorst, who graduated Norwood District High School in June, will attend Trent University in September to study sociology, specializing in criminology. Her dream is to become a provincial police officer.
She has been busy getting ready for the competition by speaking to past ambassadors and reading as much as she can. “I have been trying to provide myself with the most knowledge that I can use to my advantage.”
Vanderhorst has also been working on her speech – a component that will play a bigger role in the competition, starting this year.
In it, she plans to speak about how proud she is to have been raised on a farm and the important role that has played in her life.
Agriculture has provided her many opportunities and reasons to be thankful, boosted her work ethic and reinforced the value of family – including her parents Will and Bernadette.
“They’ve always been huge role models I can look up to,” she said.
Vanderhorst is heavily-involved in community activities. She volunteers with the local chapter of the IODE and volunteers and participates with the Peterborough County Dairy Farmers and the Norwood and District Figure Skating Club.
The sports enthusiast is also active with Norwood Minor Sports, Havelock Soccer Club and the Peterborough Pagans Rugby Club. Vanderhorst was also an active member of the student council at her former school.
The Norwood Fair will host the annual Ambassador Competition to choose the 2018-19 Fair Ambassador for the 150th event in the Millennium Room of the Asphodel-Norwood Community Centre at 88 Alma St. on Aug. 12.
Contestants will complete an interview with an independent panel of three judges, prepare and deliver a speech about the fair plus answer an impromptu question.
The doors open at 1 p.m. and the competition starts at 2 p.m. (doors are locked at that time).
Competing are Sarah Wilson, Hailey Baptie, Abby Hughes and Abi Begg.