Tiverton news

To Comment on this article Click Here

James Rice seemed surprised but pleased to be named the ambassador of the 150th annual Tiverton Fall Fair at the competition Friday night at the Whitney Crawford Community Centre.

"It feels great," he said. "I used to be captain of my school's cheerleading squad (Walkerton District Secondary School). I was willing to give this a try and I won. Ireally want to give youth a voice, and try to break down the gender barriers that shouldn't exist."

Runner-up was Justine Buchler, and the Friendship Award went to Heather Tovey. Also in the competition were Jaclyn McBride and Nicki Bertin.

Jamie Convay, president of the Tiverton Agricultural Society, opened the evening by welcoming the crowd to the 150th annual fall fair.

He said there was no telephone or electricity in 1861 when the first fair was held. The first steel-ribbed umbrella was invented nine years before, and was likely used at that first fair, he joked, referring to the downpour outside Friday night.

Convay thanked all the sponsors and volunteers for helping out with this great event, with special thanks to 2010-11 ambassador Brooke MacKenzie and everyone who comes out to support the fair.

"I declare the 150th annual Tiverton Fall Fair officially open," he said.

This year's Prince and Princess of the Fair are Joshua Flood and Nyah Beisel, respectively.

John Divinski of 98 the Beach, was MC and he added a good amount of humour to the ambassador competition which featured the contestants in casual wear and then formal wear, provided by Baxter's Row and West Shore of Kincardine.

The contestants answered impromptu questions and were judged by Michelle Lamont, John Thornburn and Jenna McTeer.

Bursaries were presented to past ambassadors Carly Hunter, Cynthia Wickert and Brooke MacKenzie.

John and Geneva Heaman provided music and comedy as John, a ventriloquist, brought his puppet friend, "Wilbur," to the stage for some hilarious repartee.

Rodney Ribey auctioned off the prize-winning pies and cakes, with the pecan pie going for $180, the cherry pie going for $200, and the raisin pie going for $231. Proceeds go to the agricultural society.

Brooke MacKenzie thanked the agricultural society for a wonderful year. "I learned a lot about agriculture all across Ontario," she said. "I had a great time and made many new friends. Good luck to the next ambassador."

The pouring rain closed the midway Friday night, but the exhibit hall saw lots of traffic.

Steph Young (L), Brooke MacKenzie and Laurie Convay of the ambassador committee are outfitted in 1800s period dress

Karen Ribey is decked out in a fancy dress from the 1800s

Wearing his best bowler hat, auctioneer Rodney Ribey gets down to business

Jaclyn McBride gives the crowd a close-up view of the first-place cherry pie

Carolyn (L) and Dan Norman check out the award-winning vegetable displays

^{for world news, books, sports, movies ...}

Sunday, October 02, 2011