Grace Auslebrook-Smith crowned Paris Fair Ambassador 2025

Rubyyy Jones

Cultural Correspondent 

Grace Auslebrook-Smith was crowned the 2025 Paris Fair Ambassador last Thursday evening, edging out fellow contestants Emilie Maltby and Sarah Fielding in the 61st annual competition. The trio impressed judges and a packed room of dignitaries, supporters and fair officials with their speeches, interviews and community spirit, making the decision a close one in what has become one of the fair’s most celebrated traditions.

I had the distinct pleasure of being asked to be one of the adjudicators for the competition and, as a former contestant - 1st runner up in 2003 - and someone with a passion for pageant style competitions and rural community, I was thrilled to be involved. 

The judging panel brought a wealth of experience in agricultural fairs and rural competitions. Joining me were Roy Loree, a sheep farmer, father, and former Rockton Fair Ambassador, and Pam Emmott, a devoted community steward, mother, former Campbellford Fair Ambassador, and frequent Ambassador adjudicator. It was a wonderfully diverse group, and truly the most enjoyable judging room I’ve ever had the pleasure of being part of.

Ahead of the competition, I asked both judges what they were looking for in their pick for ambassador. Roy wanted to see “confidence, and someone who is willing to put the time in to represent community and agriculture.” Pam wanted “someone who is genuine, with a passion for the Paris Fair.” We truly had an abundance of talent to choose from, as all three contestants met the criteria and offered so much more. Competing this year were Emilie Maltby, sponsored by the Paris Lions Club; Sarah Fielding, representing the Women Inspiring Women Women’s Institute; and Grace Auslebrook-Smith, sponsored by the St. George Lions Club.

The Paris Fair Ambassador competition has many moving parts, and they started before the competition with the application process and contestant prep nights. The Ambassador committee designed these sessions to help contestants prepare for the various requirements of the competition and to ensure a strong performance on event day. Participants were evaluated in four key areas: creating a short video about their sponsoring organization, completing an interview with the judging panel, delivering both prepared and impromptu speeches, and demonstrating the ability to carry out the duties of the Paris Fair Ambassador.

The event was emceed by Paris Fair bastion Pat Howell-Blackmore, a former Ambassador winner and committed civic supporter, and I had the pleasure of sitting with her at the event dinner.  When asked what she looks for in an Ambassador Howell-Blackmore said she seeks “someone who is curious and interested in the Fair. It's important that they have an appreciation and curiosity, because there's so much to learn and experience in the role, and I love to see their growth; after the experience of being the Ambassador, the ways they change and step into further confidence after their time in the role.”

And that’s so poignant because I saw that across the evening’s events. It was truly an incredible opportunity for a young person’s personal and professional development.  

As part of her emcee role, Howell-Blackmore started with a welcome to all, followed by introductions for speeches from dignitaries, Paris Fair members and specific competition criteria. Ahead of the Ambassador competitor speeches, Taylin and Chloe from the Paris Fair pilot ‘Jr Inspire Program’ facilitated by Paris Ambassador Co-Chair Bella Todd, were introduced. New to the program this year, it gives youth ages 9 - 14, the opportunity to see the contestant process firsthand, learn more about the role and responsibilities and ready them for future participation while encouraging their civic minded engagement. 

The highlight of the evening was the prepared and impromptu speeches, which made the judges’ decision especially challenging. Each contestant delivered with confidence and passion, but Emilie Maltby stood out with a thought-provoking address on food waste and her determination to expand her agricultural knowledge despite not coming from a farming background. Representing the Paris Lions Club, she impressed with her intelligence, eagerness to learn, and maturity well beyond her years—a performance that lingered in the minds of many long after the event.

Sarah Fielding’s speech showcased her deep commitment to both the community and the Paris Fair, drawing on a lifetime of volunteer experience despite her young age. She spoke with passion about the power of small actions—the way simple gestures can ripple outward to create meaningful change for individuals and communities alike. Representing the Women Inspiring Women Women’s Institute, she embodied strength, compassion, and the true spirit of volunteerism the world needs more of.

Grace Auslebrook-Smith - the winner of Paris Fair Ambassador 2025 - brought warmth, ease and perseverance to her speech, competing for a second time after participating in 2022, and bringing with her lessons learned, vital growth and a relatability which was palpable, and is necessary for someone in this public facing position. 

As Kara Sickle, the 2024 Ambassador’s duties as the Paris Fair Ambassador have concluded with Grace taking the reins, I had a chance to catch up with Sickle who reflected warmly on her    I had a chance to catch up with Sickle who reflected warmly on her time in the role. “It’s been a very memorable and exciting experience. I’ve learned so much along the way—about myself, about community, and about the impact the Paris Fair has across Ontario. This experience provides so many life skills and opportunities that are valuable for the future. It’s a great way to get involved, step outside your comfort zone, and discover how community is built and strengthened.” This competition has grown well beyond its origins, becoming a celebration of youth, community, and pride in where we come from. Each year, new elements of professionalism, inclusion, and tradition are added, ensuring the program remains meaningful and relevant. At its core, the Paris Fair Ambassador competition is not just about a title—it’s about a community’s commitment to empowering young people, nurturing future leaders, and fostering a spirit of service and stewardship.