Arthur Fair ambassador Samantha Binkley was first runner up at the 43rd Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) Ambassador of the Fairs competition on the weekend.
Jodie Hooker of the Dundalk and District Agricultural Society was named ambassador on the final day of the competition on Aug 17.
More than 80 contestants, aged 18 to 25, representing local agricultural fairs across Ontario competed over three days with the top seven semi-finalists competing in the finals at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
The Ambassador of the Fairs competition has been a longstanding tradition at the CNE, aimed to educate and promote Canadian agriculture while bridging the gap between rural and urban communities.
Finalists were interviewed and judged on their poise, self-confidence, public speaking and knowledge of Canadian agriculture.
As the newly-crowned 2014 CNE Ambassador of the Fairs, Hooker will participate in a series of official duties during the 18-day run of Canada’s largest fair, while also representing her local community.
Hooker will also take home $3,500 cash and other prizes.
Other Wellington County contestants included Erin Fall Fair ambassador Brittany Heller, Fergus Fair ambassador Krista Fraser, Palmerston Fair ambassador Jessica Schill and Harriston-Minto Fall Fair ambassador Shaylene Langille.
