Caleb Nickerson
SHAWVILLE Aug. 10, 2017
On Thursday night, the Pontiac Agricultural Society selected a new Shawville Fair Ambassador for 2017: Avery Richardson. The runners up were Amy Sheppard and Sydney Côté.
After a brief introduction from Fair President Sara Knox and last year’s ambassador, Grace Sally, each of the six contestants for the coveted position gave a speech on their respective divisions at the fair, ranging from horticulture to light horse.

The panel of judges included Norma Graham of Coronation Hall Cider Mills, Rona-Lee McCrae, president of the Beachburg Fair and Abigail Argue-Findlay, home craft president of the Carp Fair.
Knox explained that each contestant acts as an ambassador for their respective division, but only one is chosen as the Fair Ambassador.
“They’ll be around throughout the weekend,” she said. “They come out and help with their divisions and they can help with others.”
Richardson is heading up the homecraft division and said she chose it because it’s the division that she felt the most comfortable with. She said in the past she’s submitted everything from sewing to jewellery and sketches. Though this was her first year competing to be ambassador, she is no stranger to the Valley’s most family friendly fair.
“I’ve been coming ever since I was five,” she said after graciously accepting her crown and sash as well as The Equity Rose Bowl.
She added that she’s excited to be this year’s Fair Ambassador but admitted being a little nervous about making her big speech on opening night.
Knox said that the ambassador program is a way to encourage the younger generation to become active participants in the fair.
“It’s a good way to get them involved at a young age and to see another side of it,” she said.