COMMUNITY NEWS Meet the Paris Fair Ambassador competitors

By Casandra Turnbull

Thursday’s Paris Fair Ambassador competition not only crowned a new Ambassador, but also celebrated its 60th anniversary with some special commemorative events.

Kara Sickle - sponsored by the Women Inspiring Women Women’s Institute.

School: University of Guelph, B.Sc. Animal Biology. Age: 20 Hometown: Glen Morris, Ontario Goals: Finish my post-secondary education, apply to the Ontario Veterinary College, and make a difference in the agriculture sector. Interests: agriculture, animals, photography, and volunteering. Favourite Fair Memory: Viewing the exhibit buildings with my family and having the excitement of seeing the results of my photography and art entries, as well as the other exhibiters. Career Plan: To continue working on my family’s beef farm and start my own practice after becoming a large animal veterinarian

In honour of the 60th anniversary of the Paris Fair Queens, as it originated, and then Paris Fair Ambassadors, everyone who wore the crown and sash over the decades was invited back to take part in a special recognition supper prior to the 2024 Ambassador Competition.

Continued on page 6

Olivia Stock - sponsored by the Paris Lions Club,

School: Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Sussex. Age: 18 Hometown: Paris, Ontario Goals: To become an Environmental Lawyer after obtaining my BSc and LLB degrees at Wilfrid Laurier University and University of Sussex. I pledge to be a lifelong learner and will strive to make a positive impact in my community. Interests: I enjoy hiking on the Bruce Trail, spending time with my friends and family, swimming in the summertime and snowshoeing in the wintertime, kayaking, and reading. Favourite Fair Memory: My favourite fair memory is when my mom and I attended the fair on the Monday night before school started and we rode the Ferris Wheel, shared a funnel cake, and took some candy apples home. Career Plan: I plan to become an Environmental Lawyer to help protect our environment.

Serena Gambacortsponsored by the St. George Lions Club

School: Mohawk College, second year Massage Therapy. Age: 19. Hometown: St. George Goals: To open up doors by finishing my studies and opening my own practice within my community and enjoy travelling. Interests: Rugby, giving back to my community, taking our dog Finn at Lions park, the rail trail and throughout St. George. Favourite Fair Memory: Volunteering in the St. George Lions Club food booth and flipping in the zipper 8 times in a row with my friends Career Plan: To become a Registered Massage Therapist and open my own practice in our community.

“Our Ambassador Committee members have been working hard planning the 60th celebration and look forward to welcoming everyone back to the Paris Fair, where friends meet,” said Ambassador Committee Co-Chair Valerie Stone Grech ahead of Thursday’s pageant Stone Grech was also the 2009 Paris Fair Ambassador and has a long history of volunteerism with the Paris Agricultural Society.

Past Homecraft Presidents were also in attendance to celebrate.

The past Queens and Ambassadors were formally saluted during the RCMP Musical Ride in front of the Grandstands following the fair’s opening ceremony on August 29th . Thursday’s pageant ushered in a new 2024 Ambassador, Kara Sickle (pictured to the right) and said farewell to 2023 Ambassador Kylie Vander Hoek. Three contestants participated; their bios are presented below.

The competition included a video from participants’ sponsoring organization, a presentation, interview, prepared speech, and impromptu question

This year’s Paris Fair Ambassador competition held some extra significance as organizers marked the 60th Anniversary since the very first Paris Fair Queen (as it was called at the time) competition. Past Queens and Ambassadors returned for the night and received a formal salute from the RCMP Musical Ride.

Credit Paris Agricultural Society