Photo/MARNI WALSH SHELBURNE YOUTHS are preparing to compete next week in the Shelburne Fair Ambassador competition. The competition currently divided into three age categories involves interviews and a public speaking contest. Front Row: Princess Competitors Meghan Squirrel and Hannah Francis. 2nd Row: Emily Curd and Tori Sawyers also Princess Competitors and Carly Phillips Junior Ambassador Competitor. Back row: Junior Ambassador Competitor Stephanie Booth and Senior Ambassador Competitor Luca Drago. Missing from the photo: Junior Competitor Nancy Cruz, and Senior Competitors Meghan VanKampen and Kelsey Phillips. For decades, the Fair Ambassador competition has provided Shelburne and area youth an opportunity to expand their horizons and grow as individuals.

Although the winner was once titled Fair Queen, the role hasn't changed.

The Ambassador, whether male or female, is to represent the Shelburne Agriculture Society and bring agriculture awareness to Shelburne and surrounding communities while promoting the Shelburne Fair at various fairs, events and parades. They will compete again next Friday, Sept. 12, at 8 p.m., in the Centre Dufferin Recreation Complex.

Brianne Brown, a former Shelburne Fair Ambassador and now cochair of the competition, says it is important to get kids involved when they are young. "It is easier to get their interest as they come up through the competition, participate on the Fair Board and eventually become the volunteers needed to run local fairs."

The benefits of the competition are many. Young people improve their self confidence through public speaking, gain experience in the interview process that they will have to face in their careers, make an excellent addition to their resumes, and develop a strong sense of self and community pride.

Prizes currently valued at approximately $500 include artwork, luggage, jewelry and cash prizes. The committee is currently seeking sponsors to provide a scholarship or bursary of from $1,000 to $5,000 to next year's winning Ambassador. They hope to encourage participation and assist in the future career plans of local youth.

The competition is divided into three categories: Prince or Princess ages 10-14; Junior Ambassador ages 14-16; and Fair Ambassador ages 17 and up. The winning ambassador competes at the CNE in Toronto the following summer. Shelburne Ambassador Vanessa Wilson became the winner of the CNE competition in 1993.

In August of this year, Lindsay Brown represented Shelburne at the CNE. Brianne says it was an exciting and positive experience for Lindsay, who was new to the Shelburne area just two years ago. Lindsay felt that participating helped her to assimilate with her new home. Lindsay is now in her fourth year of Biomedical Toxicology at Guelph University and hopes to pursue a career in pharmaceuticals.

The competitors are marked on both an interview and a public speech. The Senior Ambassador competitors perform their speech in front of a crowd at the arena, as do the two winners of the younger competition. The Prince/ Princess and Junior Competitions will be held at Grace Tipling Hall at 7 p.m. next Tuesday, Sept. 9.

Interviews, which count for 60% of their marks, are done ahead of the public competition. The junior competitors must speak on the fair and this year many have chosen "The Fair Past and Present" in honour of the theme "Pioneer Days".

Senior Ambassadors may speak on a topic of their choice. Judges this year include Jasmine McCabe, a young entrepreneur; Kelly French, a former CNE Ambassador; and Lisa West, a teacher who is active in the dairy industry.

Many of the young competitors say they have been inspired to compete by older siblings who competed and thought that "it was an awesome experience!"

One of the youngest competitors, Meghan Squirrel, just 12 years old, quietly revealed that she is competing to "show people that it is fun to take new risks". The girls all agreed with Junior Competitor Stephanie Booth, 16, who said that "it would be cool to win, but it is just fun to try."

Senior Ambassador Luca Drago, runner-up in last year's competition, encourages young people of the area to join the competition.

"It is important that youth experience our agricultural community, understand where our food comes from and support our farmers," she said. "Go out and have fun! You will learn a lot; how to handle yourself in front of a crowd, how to speak to others, and how to speak in public."

The young competitors have learned something else important in their journey: gratitude for the opportunity to be the best they can be. They expressed their thanks to Dufferin 4H President Lynne Goutouski and Co- Chairs Brianne Brown and Isabel Holmes for all their hard work and assistance.