Tori Birch, an 18-year-old student at the University of Guelph, has been crowned the Wellesley-North Easthope Fair ambassador.
Birch won the title Tuesday after a tight race with two other contestants, Kelsey Gardner, 19, and Ashley Guild, 17.
As part of the competition each of the contenders had individual interviews with a panel of judges the week prior to the fair.
During the fair’s opening night the contestants had to have a biographical exhibit prepared and on display in the Wellesley arena and give a speech about agriculture, the fair, or the theme of the fair: solar power.
Outgoing ambassador Justine Walker had the privilege of crowning her replacement giving her a few words of advice.
“Enjoy your time as the ambassador, the year goes by too quickly and before you know it you’ll be standing where I am giving someone else a crown,” said Walker.
The night was bittersweet for Birch, as her grandfather, who normally attends every fall fair in Wellesley, was in hospital battling cancer.
“He means so much to me and he is the strongest guy I know,” said Birch. “One of the first things I did was call him to let him know I had won and he was so proud.”
Birch spent the following day immersed in the fair, presenting ribbons, handing out prizes, judging a baby contest and greeting all those in attendance.
Birch, who grew up in Wellesley, said she was happy and shocked she was chosen as ambassador.
“I knew I had done very well, but when Justine called out my name I just couldn’t believe it. I had some really strong competition, both girls would have made excellent ambassadors, but I am happy it will be me.”
Birch is attending the University of Guelph to study animal biology and hopes to attend the Ontario Veterinarian College after receiving her bachelor of science.
Next week she will be taking part in the Apple Butter & Cheese Festival in Wellesley and will continue to appear at other events that take place throughout the year, including a visit to the Canadian National Exhibition to represent Wellesley in the provincial competition.
Gardner, who hails from Baden, is currently attending Conestoga College studying Early Childhood Education and continues to work at Tim Hortons while volunteering at both the House of Friendship and Second Chance farm horse rescue.
New Hamburg’s Guild is entering her fifth year at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School and hopes to become a social worker after her studies are completed.
