By Lee Griffi, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Lilly Pullen has been named Tavistock Fall Fair Ambassador.
She was crowned on Friday night, Sept. 6, at the Memorial Hall after interviews with judges, a speech in front of a crowd and impromptu questions. Beau Witzel claimed the first runner-up title.
“I’m thrilled. A lot of my family members have also won in the past and I was hoping to continue with that legacy. My sister Emma won in 2019 but since COVID hit she held the title until 2022. My cousin, Amy Danen, also ran in 2019 and my other cousin Sarah Danen was the 2018 Ambassador,” said Pullen.
She added her family connections helped her prepare for the competition.
“It was pretty much what I expected. My sister and cousins talked me through what would happen. I was asked what I wanted to take away from the experience and, obviously, I wanted to boost my confidence and I did.”
Competitors attended the fair for the rest of the weekend and took part in the annual parade. Pullen admitted it was a little overwhelming, especially on Saturday.
“By Sunday it was easier to talk to people. I was getting used to it. I’m not used to talking to people so much,” she said.
She explained she recently opened a property maintenance business and is hoping her experience on the weekend will improve her communication skills.
“Most of my customers are older and aren’t able to do their gardening, weeding or trimming anymore. I can do all of that for them.”
Pullen added she will take away what she learned through the experience in Tavistock to help her prepare for the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) competition in 2025.
“I’m probably going to ask my family a bunch of questions about their experiences there, so hopefully that will help me get ready for it,” she said.
She also had some advice for anyone considering a run at the title next year and beyond.
“I would tell them it is one of the best experiences of my life. It was awesome to get out and talk to people and a lot came up to congratulate me. I learned quite a bit about the background of the fair. Knowing people looked at me as important really boosted my confidence.”
She also participated in the lawnmower race, which she said was also a highlight.
Three longtime volunteers were recognized at the competition for decades of volunteerism. Gloria Wettlaufer, Ruth Anne Wettlaufer and Tammy Kaufman, the 1988 ambassador, were thanked for their many years of service.
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