CHRIS LOWREY
SHAWVILLE Aug. 9, 2018
The most recent edition of the Shawville Fair Ambassador speech night was one for the ages.
Alex Mayhew, 14, was crowned the first-ever male ambassador for the Shawville Fair.
Mayhew was one of four youngsters to give speeches during the annual Shawville Fair Ambassador speech night at the Homecraft building on the Shawville Fair grounds.
Each of the four speakers represented a different division of the fair.
Mayhew, who represented the Dairy division, was joined at the podium by Stacey Desabrais (Entertainment), Sara O’Malley (Homecraft) and Amy Sheppard (4H Club).
The fair’s ambassador mainly volunteers in the division they chose, but oftentimes ends up chipping in wherever they’re needed.
“It’s really to kickstart their involvement in the community,” said fair ambassador committee member Hayley Campbell.

“It’s great to have them involved at such a young age,” added her sister Holly.
Mayhew started his speech with a joke for the crowd.
“What does a farmer talk about when he’s milking a cow?” Mayhew asked the crowd. “Udder nonsense,” he quipped to a round of laughter.
He went on to chronicle his love for cows, the history of the Holstein breed and his favourite parts of the fair.
He also showed off his willingness to engage those who don’t know much about cows.
“Please, come into the barn and ask questions,” he implored.
After he wrapped up his speech, Desabrais’ turn to take the podium.
She said her favourite memory of the fair was finally being tall enough to ride the dreaded Zipper.
She also recounted spending time outside the fairgrounds when she was younger watching the trucks haul the different rides into the venue.
She then gave a quick rundown of the entertainment options available during the fair. She concluded her speech by singing a quick note from the Wiz Khalifa song “See You Again.”
Next up was O’Malley, who represented the homecraft division.
She listed the types of projects typically on display in the homecraft building – everything from photos to woodworking to quilting.
She also highlighted the homecraft classes that are on offer. Attendees can learn to bake a loaf of bread, butter tarts and several other delectable treats.
She also pointed out that the homecraft exhibit welcomes people of all ages – both exhibitors and members of the public. She said the event has featured senior citizens displaying their quilting right down to two-year-olds showing off their finger painting.
The speeches were capped off by the 4H representative, Amy Sheppard.
She started off by going over the history of the 4H Club and the many different activities that she’s been introduced to over the course of her membership.
She spoke about the camp trips, farm visits and square dancing she’s been able to experience as a 4H member.
She also pointed out that the four H’s stand for head, heart, hands and health.
She also spoke about the collaborative nature of the 4H Club. She said that she’s going to be showing animals she borrowed from a local farmer.
“It brings together family friends and former 4H members,” she said.
After the speeches were done, the judges faced a tough task when it came time to pick a winner.
After about 15 minutes of deliberation, the judges decided that Mayhew was deserving of the win – and that it was about time for the fair to have its first male ambassador.
For his part, Mayhew was beaming with excitement. When his name was called as the winner, his eyebrows almost touched his hairline he was so surprised.
Although he’s excited to take on the duties of the fair ambassador, he admitted his excitement was reserved for something else.
“Showing my new heifer,” he said with a smile.