Five contestants are running for New Hamburg Fall Fair Ambassador

Photos by Natalie Otterbein of Nat.ural Photography

By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The New Hamburg Fall Fair is set for Sept. 11-14, and one of the signature events is the ambassador competition.

Five young Wilmot Township residents have put their names forward in hopes of winning the prestigious title.   

Erin Jackson – nominated by the New Hamburg Board of Trade

“Around when I was 12, God sparked a passion in me for farming and agriculture even though as a little kid, I had been downright terrified of tractors. Isn’t that ironic? Now I am 17 years old and that passion has only flamed brighter,” said Jackson, who wants to be a farmer.

She added working with her hands and tending to the growth of new life is what drives her.

“As a young woman with an ambitious drive and a creative mind, I am always looking for opportunities to learn something new. This is especially true when working my two farm jobs, which I love. Although I didn’t grow up a farmer, I plan to go to Guelph University next fall to learn the science and some of the skills behind it.”

Jackson has been dancing at different local studios for 11 years and loves every minute of it, but also has an interest in machinery.

“I look forward to doing something new when school begins at my co-op, where I get to run heavy equipment. But I am most looking forward to enjoying the annual music festivals – country and worship music are my favourites – and all the fairs. Something that I will always remember and look forward to at the New Hamburg Fall Fair is the farmers' walk. The competitive girl in me always dreamt of showing up the boys, even just to make it a couple of feet. Who knows, maybe this year will be the one where I give it my shot!”

She works part-time at a dairy farm and a cabbage farm where sauerkraut is made.

“I hope to find different job opportunities at places where other animals or plants are farmed so that I can get a better understanding of my interests and skills.”

Lydia Koch – nominated by the Wilmot Lions/Lioness Club

Koch is 17 years old and entering Grade 12 at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School, and is involved in a number of music groups as well as serving on the music council and another extracurricular club called Best Buddies.

“Outside of school, I will be working part-time at Cooks Pharmacy. My interests include reading and helping on my family’s farm, which is a small cow/calf operation that also includes chickens and sheep. I also enjoy singing, playing guitar and ukulele, and keeping active by jogging and working out.”

Koch is considering university or college programs in nursing or developmental services/disability studies after she graduates.

“My favourite and earliest memory of the fall fair is entering crafts, toys, baking and vegetables into the many exhibits and feeling the excitement of earning a ribbon and a cash prize if placing in the top three. I am looking forward to being a part of the ambassador program this year and making more memories at the fall fair!”  

Nicole Lowry – New Dundee Board of Trade

Lowry is a 17-year-old high school student at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School and has lived in New Dundee her entire life.

“Some of my interests include horseback riding, which I have been involved in for six years, as well as snowmobiling, music and farming. This fall, I plan to do a two-credit co-op, attend school, continue my riding lessons, work at the horse farm where I’m currently employed and visit my family in Point Clark where my cottage is located.”

Last year, Lowry participated in a 4-H dairy showing and her Aunt, Kim Lowry (Feick), has participated in the ambassador program.

“My favourite parts of the fall fair include the horse pull and derby events. As of now, I am undecided on my next steps after high school. I do plan to go to a post-secondary institution, but I’m not sure what program I want to take part in, so I am considering taking a gap year. Much of my extended family is farmers, and I have always considered that as one of my options.” 

Reese Moore – nominated by the Optimist Club of Wilmot

Moore is a 17-year-old student at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School and has lived in Baden ever since her first year of kindergarten at Baden Public School in 2012.

“I am very grateful to have this opportunity to participate in this year's fall fair ambassador program because it is not only a great opportunity for me to push myself to learn and grow as a person, it is also an opportunity for me to further involve myself in my community and get the chance to show others how amazing life can be, being a part of the Wilmot community.”

Moore said she remembers how special the fall fair was to her when she was young, and she’s excited to continue the traditions and contribute to the atmosphere that has helped create so many special memories for so many.

“I fondly remember when I was little, I was allowed to have my first sleepover with my cousins from Milton. They had driven all the way out to Baden to stay at my house, and we were allowed to stay up late to go to the fair. I remember getting ice cream, winning matching duckie stuffed animals, going on rides, walking through the mirror maze, watching the smash up derby and, most importantly, all the laughs we shared and the fun we had.”

She is preparing to play her final season of minor hockey this fall for the Stratford Aces U18 BB team while continuing to balance university courses.

Kenzie Wilde – nominated by the New Hamburg Optimist Club

Mackenzie Wilde goes by Kenzie and is a 17-year-old going into her fourth and final year at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School.

“I’m also completing my apprenticeship at Tiffany & Co. Hair Studio, where I’ve gained hands-on experience and developed my passion for cosmetology. After graduation, I plan to attend a hair school and eventually expand into other areas of the beauty industry, such as makeup and nails.”

Outside of school and work, Wilde is a member of the Wilmot Thunder U17 softball team.

“Playing for my community has been such a rewarding experience. I also enjoy reading, baking, cooking and spending time with my family and friends.”

She added the New Hamburg Fall Fair has always been a highlight for her.

“One of my favourite memories is going with my Nana to get cotton candy, then sitting on a picnic table or in the grandstand together to watch the demolition derby. That simple tradition is something I’ll always carry with me. I would be honoured to represent a fair that means so much to me and my community.”