Erin Jackson crowned New Hamburg Fall Fair Ambassador

The five contestants vying for New Hamburg Fall Fair Ambassador included, from left, Kenzie Wilde, Nicole Lowry, newly crowned ambassador Erin Jackson, runner-up Lydia Koch and Reese Moore. Turn to page 6 for the full story and more New Hamburg Fall Fair coverage. Gary West photo

By Gary West

The New Hamburg arena was filled Friday evening for the annual opening ceremonies of the New Hamburg Fall Fair, as five young women competed to become the 52nd Wilmot Agricultural Society Fall Fair Ambassador.

The contestants delivered both prepared and impromptu speeches before a supportive audience of family, friends and community members.

Outgoing ambassador Madilynn Cressman, who held the title for 2024-2025, delivered her farewell remarks, calling the role an unforgettable experience. She said she was confident any of the five contestants would make a strong ambassador.

After 40 minutes of deliberation, judges Heidi Danen, Samantha Wagler and Mano Watsa announced Erin Jackson as the 2025-2026 ambassador.

In her acceptance speech, Jackson thanked the New Hamburg Board of Trade for sponsoring her, praised her fellow contestants for making the competition close and expressed gratitude to the Wilmot Agricultural Society for its encouragement.

“I’ll do my best to live up to expectations and promote the good work of the agricultural society throughout the year,” she said.

Other awards presented during the evening included Wilmot Citizen of Year Awards:

• Community service: Krista Straus

• Culture: Lisa Hagen

• Seniors: Dean Peachey

• Mayor’s Award (presented by Mayor Natasha Salonen): Township of Wilmot

• Sunflower Bursary: Ashley Woolcott

• Margaret Snyder Bursary: Madilynn Cressman