Wellesley Junior Fair Ambassador contestants visit local farm

Wellesley Junior Fair Ambassador contestants, from left, Braelyn Bonnick, Coraline Byerley, Riley Purdie, Madison Hernandez, program organizer Manni Hayer, Aaron Wiles and Madison King visit Laurie and Katie Musselman's farm on Carmel-Koch Road, where they met a donkey and a llama during a recent tour. Missing from the photo are contestants Zaid Alqiaisi, Claire Manuel and Isabella Barker. Katie Musselman photo

By Gary West

Contestants in this year's Wellesley Junior Fair Ambassador program recently enjoyed a behind-the-scenes visit to a local farm as they prepare to represent the Wellesley Fall Fair.

Six of the program's nine contestants toured Laurie and Katie Musselman's farm on Carmel-Koch Road, where they had the opportunity to interact with a variety of animals, including donkeys, llamas, ducks, chickens, sheep, goats and two exotic pigs.

The farm tour is one of several activities designed to introduce participants to agriculture while helping them build confidence and prepare for their ambassador roles.

Program organizer Manni Hayer, herself a former Wellesley Junior Fair Ambassador, said she is excited by the enthusiasm shown by this year's group of contestants.

The Junior Fair Ambassador program gives young participants the opportunity to learn more about agriculture, develop leadership skills and become ambassadors for the Wellesley Fall Fair and the local community.

This year's Junior Fair Ambassador will be selected during the Wellesley Fall Fair, which takes place Aug. 29 and 30. The successful candidate will serve alongside the fair's senior ambassador, who will also be chosen during the fair.