After a successful first year, the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society (RRVAS) has brought back the Fair Ambassador program. It replaces the longstanding Fair Queen program, opening up the opportunity to compete for a $3,500 bursary to young people of any gender.
Open to all residents of the Rainy River District between the ages of 17 and 24, the program offers the winner the bursary split between the beginning and end of their term.
“The Fair Ambassador Bursary Program is more than a scholarship; it is an investment in the future of our community,” Croswell told The Times. “The program was designed to engage and empower community youth to represent and promote the fair. It recognizes young individuals who demonstrate leadership, volunteerism and a commitment to making a positive impact both within the fair and throughout the community.”
By transitioning to an Ambassador Program, the goal is to ensure these meaningful traditions continue, while providing broader opportunities for individuals to represent the community, develop important life skills and inspire others in a way that reflects both the past and the future. The Ambassador Program stands as a meaningful continuation of a proud tradition, rooted in values of leadership, community spirit and personal growth.
The program encourages individuals to connect with others, support community events, and inspire involvement, all while fostering personal growth and a sense of pride. The Ambassador Program was created to carry forward the same values that defined the Fair Queen competition, while evolving to meet the needs of the modern and inclusive community.
It was built on the foundation of leadership, community involvement, confidence, and pride—qualities that the Fair Queen Competition proudly celebrated for many years. As the program continues to grow, it will inspire future Ambassadors to carry these values with confidence, represent their community and leave lasting positive impacts for years to come.
Incumbent Fair Ambassador Alexis Latter says she always wanted to be queen, but when that program was replaced with the ambassador, she was also happy to apply.
“When I was younger, I won the mini queen contest, and when I was the mini queen of Emo, I always wanted to be a fair queen after that,” Latter said. Unfortunately, the summers were too busy to allow her to run.
“So when the Fair Queen program ended, I said, ‘Oh, I wish I could have done it.’ And then the Ambassador program came up, and I said, ‘Oh, I’ll have to look into that.’ And so I started. I looked on the website about what it was, and I thought that it was such a great opportunity because I’ve always loved being so into my community and helping out in the community and volunteering. What attracted me to it was the part about getting to be involved in the community.”
While the program is tied to the Agricultural Society’s fair, applicants need not be tied to agriculture. A basic knowledge does help, according to the handbook for the program: “Participants need not be from a farm but should have some knowledge of our local system and the annual Fall Fair. Interview questions may include these topics.”
Over the course of their year as the Fair Ambassador, the successful candidate will represent the RRVAS at various events including all three days of the fair.
The ambassador acts as the face of the fair, building excitement before and during events through social media, word of mouth and direct engagement, Croswell said. “The bursary is designed to support fair ambassadors as they pursue future pathways. By easing some of the financial burdens, the program encourages recipients to continue growing as leaders while achieving their personal and professional goals.”
The program also goes beyond the fair.
“The Rainy River Valley Agricultural Fall Fair has been a celebration of agriculture, community, education, and tradition for over 125 years. While the livestock exhibits, competitions and entertainment often take center stage, the new ambassador program is making a lasting impact both during and beyond Fair weekend,” Croswell said. “The Fair Ambassador program is much more than a title or a crown. It is an opportunity for young people to become leaders, advocates, and role models within the Rainy River District.”
Over the course of her year as ambassador, Latter has attended numerous events representing RRVAS.
“I started out on the Saturday of the fair last year, and I got to be involved in a bunch of different things there,” Latter said. “I got to help with the Mini King and Queen Contest; I rode in the parade; I helped sell 50/50 tickets; I helped at the steer auction. Like I got to do a bunch of different things at the fair. Then I got to attend different events throughout the year as well. Just to name a few, there was the Bergland Giant Pumpkin Festival. I helped with some stuff at Christmas; I was in the parades (Fort Frances and Emo) at Christmas as well, and I helped deliver meals in Emo on Christmas Eve.”
The Fair Ambassador handbook also notes that ambassadors will help with the next year’s competition and announce the winner.
Applicants are required to include a 1,000- to 2,000-word essay that tells the judges who they are, discusses their community involvement, and explains why they want to be the Fair Ambassador and more. The full application requirements are available through the website. After applying, entrants are subjected to an interview by a panel of judges.
They’re judged on personality, enthusiasm, energy; community knowledge; general knowledge of the Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society/Fall Fair; overall presence and presentation; and the written component.
