FERGUS – For six women, the Fergus Fall Fair has become an annual family reunion.
Every autumn, Jane and Sarah Shaw, Amy and Allison Witzel, Kristine Guenther and Sandra Howatt convene on the grounds of the Fergus sportsplex.
Except for family matriarch Sandra, they’ve all strode the fairgrounds wearing the tell-tale tiara and sash.
Allison suspects that if not for Sandra – her grandmother, who was fair president from 1988-90 – none of the women would have stepped into the role.
“She has instilled these values in us: community, family and involvement,” said Allison, who was ambassador in 2012-13.
In fact, she and Sarah, this year’s ambassador, have been linked to the fair virtually since birth. Sarah was born on a fair weekend, and Allison was showcased in a baby show at the fair.
“You kind of want to carry on, to me, what is like a family legacy or tradition through the generations,” Allison said.
Amy, Allison’s mother, was ambassador from 1989-90, when ambassadors were known as the Queen of the Fair or Miss Fergus Fall Fair (the program has since opened to males).
“I was a proud mom,” she said, adding she enjoyed watching Allison follow in her footsteps years later.
“She always gave me tips for being confident, to smile, my posture – she always did my hair,” Allison said.
Outward presentation matters, according to the women.
“You want people to look up to you in a leadership role,” Allison said.
Each year young adults compete for the year-long distinction of representing the fair, community and agriculture at local events and parades.
Competitors are interviewed, create a display about themselves, give a speech and answer impromptu questions in front of an audience.
“It’s challenging to do now, it’s not a simple competition anymore; it’s hard to get up and public speak,” said Jane, Sarah’s mother, who was ambassador from 1991-92.
The local ambassador later competes at the annual Canadian National Exhibition’s fairs competition. Jeanine Wallace, in 2004, was the first and only Fergus fair ambassador to win the exhibition title.
The women didn’t grow up on a farm, but Kristine, who was ambassador from 1993-94, said the family feels it is important to champion something it believes in and has long been connected to.
It’s about being interested in the community and linking agriculture and rural roots, Jane said.
“We all grew up entering stuff into the fair every year,” Kristine said of judged exhibitions such as crafts, flower arrangements, art and produce.
“I can remember the week before the fair, we would be up until 11 at night getting stuff ready.”
Jane recalled racing into the exhibition hall when she was younger to see if her friends won any of the competitions.
Now, she sees kids doing the same thing years later.
Jane laughed when she recalled entering homemade bread one year and winning against Sandra’s loaf.
“I won against my mom, and she’s the one who taught me how to make it,” Jane said.
“We’re still connected with the fair, and with each other, and it’ll carry on in traditions for years to come.”
“Knowing your agricultural roots is important,” Allison added.
“As the years go on, I feel more people are farther removed from that, and the fair is something that brings everybody together.”
