Lauren O’Nahr takes top honours in Paris Fair Ambassador competition
Rubyyy Jones
Cultural Correspondent
Lauren O’Nahr was crowned the 2026 Paris Fair Ambassador last Thursday night, emerging from a field of three candidates during the opening ceremonies of the 168th annual Paris Fair.
Sponsored by the Girl Guides of Canada, O’Nahr earned the title following a competition that tested candidates through interviews, professional resumés, prepared speeches, impromptu questions and videos highlighting their sponsoring organizations.
The 62nd annual Ambassador competition was part of an opening night that carried added significance this year. Just 24 hours earlier, a powerful storm swept through the fairgrounds, damaging displays, exhibits and vendor setups and leaving Paris Agricultural Society volunteers with an enormous cleanup effort ahead of Thursday’s opening.
Despite the setback, volunteers rallied to ensure the gates opened as planned, setting the stage for an evening celebrating community, agriculture, volunteerism and the next generation of local leaders.
Before the Ambassador ceremony could get underway, officials took the stage to officially open the 168th Paris Fair. Emcee Pat Howell-Blackmore took the mic and introduced guests, starting with the official greetings from Paris Agricultural Society President, Matt Stuart and General Manager, Amy Warner. They praised the community members who helped make the fair possible, along with Campbell Amusements for its resourcefulness and everyone who stepped up to help in the aftermath of the storm.
Howell-Blackmore also welcomed Mayor David Bailey to the stage who spoke briefly and enthusiastically about his time in office and his love of the Paris Fair and everything it brings to the County. MP Dan Muys spoke too, echoed those sentiments, highlighting the way the community rallied in the aftermath of the storm and offering further praise to the many volunteers who helped make the fair possible. The Royal Canadian Legion Branch 29 was also an important part of the opening ceremony. Legion representatives reminded everyone about their 100th Anniversary celebrations scheduled for the end of September/early Ocotber. Mona Eichmann, District 7 representative for the Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies, spoke about the importance of supporting and participating in local agricultural societies, programs and events.
With the formal greetings kicking off the fair, the 62nd annual Ambassador Competition started with the introduction of the Ambassador committee: Jennifer Kelley, Melissa Condon, Heather Fair, Suzanne Kelley, Bronwyn Monkhouse, Hope Punturiero, Bella Todd and Kylie Vanderhoek, as well as last year’s winner Grace Auslebrook-Smith. The judges included former Queen of the Furrow, Derika Nauta, and past Ambassador Bethany Parkinson, and me, Rubyyy Jones.
Junior Inspire participants Kynlee Crawley and Kaylen Fairfax were also welcomed to the stage, where they were recognized for their participation in the program and presented with gifts.
Ahead of the competition, both spoke about their experiences in the mentorship program. Crawley described it as an empowering opportunity, remarking, “it was very good and I loved walking on the stage, it was very empowering, because even though I was nervous, it was super fun.”
Fairfax agreed that it was “very fun” and encouraged other young people to consider taking part in the personal and professional development program, adding, “it’ll change your life, you’ll meet new people and it’ll be fun too.”
The judges had a hard task at hand with three fantastic potential ambassadors: Lauren O’Nahr, sponsored by the Girl Guides of Canada, Abigail MacDonald, sponsored by the Women Inspiring Women, Women’s Institute and Claire Livingston, sponsored by St. George Women’s Institute. What many people do not know is the evening’s competition begins before the contestants hit the stage. Candidates participate in one-on-one interviews with the judges and submit a professional CV, along with a video highlighting their sponsoring organization, for the judges to review. Once they hit the stage, each competitor is required to deliver speeches and answer impromptu questions. It’s great practice for skills they will exhibit in the days following the competition, if they are selected as the Paris Fair Ambassador.
Each of the speeches highlighted the powerful role volunteerism can play in strengthening a community. Together, they offered a meaningful reminder of what can be accomplished when people care for one another and dedicate their time and talents to making their community a better place for everyone.
As the judges deliberated, the audience watched the sponsorship videos created by each contestant. The videos are a newer addition to the Ambassador program, giving candidates an opportunity to showcase their creativity while providing their sponsoring organizations with a meaningful piece of promotional content. Outgoing Ambassador Grace Auslebrook-Smith delivered a heartfelt speech about her year representing our community across the province and it was amazing to see her growth and confidence in public speaking and leadership.
With three candidates competing this year, only the first-place winner was announced.
Lauren O’Nahr was named the 2026 Paris Fair Ambassador, recognized for an impressive resumé filled with volunteer experience and a strong commitment to her community. Following the announcement, O’Nahr was joined on stage by an enthusiastic group of Girl Guides and Guide leaders who celebrated her achievement with congratulations and photos.
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