Local fair ambassadors represent Perth County at OAAS convention

Listowel Fair Ambassador Lexi Johnson, seated in the centre of the front row in a white sweater, was named Ontario Fair Ambassador at this year’s CNE competition while representing her local fair among ambassadors from across the province. Contributed photo

By Gary West

Local fair ambassadors took centre stage at this year’s Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies (OAAS) annual convention in Richmond Hill.

Among the hundreds of delegates in attendance were young women representing agricultural societies from across Perth, Oxford and Waterloo counties and surrounding areas, proudly promoting their local fairs while taking part in workshops, networking sessions and leadership development opportunities.

The annual convention brings together more than 200 fairs and agricultural societies from across Ontario. While fair boards are made up largely of volunteers, it is the ambassadors who often serve as the public face of their communities – promoting agriculture, local food production and the importance of rural traditions throughout the year.

Workshops at the convention focused on personal development, public speaking, agricultural awareness and ways to enhance the local fair experience for exhibitors and visitors alike. Ambassadors returned home with new ideas and renewed enthusiasm to share with their respective fair boards.

Agricultural societies continue to play a vital role in communities across the province, promoting grassroots agriculture, supporting local economies and celebrating the achievements of farmers, youth and exhibitors during spring, summer and fall fair seasons.

Several local ambassadors proudly represented their fairs at the convention. Tavistock Fall Fair Ambassador Brooklyn Ross (2025-2026) was among those participating in ambassador workshops and events.

Also attending were Claire Koch, representing the Wellesley-North Easthope Agricultural Society; Hailey Lupton from the Embro-Zorra Agricultural Society; and Erin Jackson from the Wilmot Agricultural Society.

Adding to Perth County’s pride, Listowel Fair Ambassador Lexi Johnson was named Ontario Fair Ambassador at this year’s Canadian National Exhibition competition. Johnson earned the provincial title while competing against ambassadors from across Ontario, further highlighting the strength of local agricultural youth programs.

With strong representation from area fairs, Perth, Oxford and Waterloo county ambassadors once again demonstrated leadership, dedication and pride in their rural roots at the provincial gathering.