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The Times Advocate, 2006-08-09, Page 14Crossroads 14 Exeter Times -Advocate Wednesday, August 9, 2006 Exeter Fall Fair ambassador ready for CNE By Scott Nixon TIMES -ADVOCATE STAFF EXETER — While there will be no Exeter Fall Fair this September, the ambassador from last year's fair contin- ues to represent the area and looks for- ward to her next challenge. Exeter's Ally Macgregor, 18, is getting ready for the 35th annual Ambassador of the Fair competition at the Canadian National Exhibition Aug. 20 at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre in Toronto. There, she'll go up against 175 other fair ambassadors from across Ontario. "I've never been to the CNE," Macgregor says. "I'm really excited." The Ambassador of the Fair competi- tion will see all contestants interviewed by a panel of three judges. Macgregor and her fellow ambassadors will be asked questions on current events, agri- culture and will engage in a discussion based on previously submitted biogra- phies. Contestants will take the stage on the morning of the competition and will be judged on the following: • Knowledge of the CNE and agricul- ture (30 marks); • poise (10 marks); • personality (20 marks); • interview and overall impression (40 marks). Seven semi-finalists will be chosen who will then give a 15 -minute speech on either agriculture, agricultural soci- eties or their own respective local fairs. Three finalists will be chosen and will have to answer a question. Despite the pressure, Macgregor isn't nervous and describes herself as com- fortable in front of an audience. As Exeter's fair ambassador, she attended meetings with the Agricultural Society and attended the February Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies con- vention at the Royal York hotel in Toronto, something she calls a highlight of her year as ambassador. There she was able to meet with the other ambas- sadors from across the province in preparation for the upcoming competi- tion at the CNE. Macgregor entered last year's Exeter Fall Fair ambassador competition because her friends entered and she thought it would be fun. "I didn't expect to win but it was a huge honour to win," she says, adding she's enjoyed her role because she's been able to meet new people and learn new things, such as topics on agriculture and an appreciation for country music. Macgregor says it's "really disappoint- ing" there will be no Exeter Fall Fair this year and adds every small town should have one. She also recommends Eighteen -year-old AIIy Macgregor, winner of last year's Exeter Fall Fair ambassador competition, will compete in the Canadian National Exhibition's Ambassador of the Fair competition Aug. 20. She will be up against 175 other ambassadors from across the province. (file photo/Scott Nixon) the experience of being an ambassador to others — while some people are afraid of the responsibilities, Macgregor says her role is "a lot more laid back" than people expect it to be. Macgregor's reign as Exeter's ambas- sador ends after the CNE competition. A graduate of South Huron District High School and an employee of the Exeter Golf Club, she is preparing to move to Kingston this September where she'll major in Drama at Queen's University. She has three younger siblings and is the daughter of Richard and Sheila. Facts on the CNE: • The CNE started in 1879 and has grown from a local agricultural fair to the world's largest annual exhibition. • The fair name was changed from the Toronto Industrial Exhibition to the Canadian National Exhibition in 1912 to better represent the national appeal of the fair. • Over the years the CNE has main- tained the ideals of its founding mem- bers by featuring and previewing both Ally Macgregor, pictured fourth from right, says one of the highlights of her time as Exeter's fall fair ambassador was attend- ing February's Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies in Toronto.Above, she gathers with some of her fellow ambas- sadors. (photo/submitted) international and Canadian agricultural, artistic, technological and industrial achievements. • The CNE was the first fair in the world to be lit with electricity in 1882. • Thomas Edison at the 1888 exhibi- tion produced the oldest existing sound on record in the world. Lord Stanley (after whom the Stanley Cup was named) was governor general of Canada at the time and recorded a speech to the president of the United States. • Canadian television had its debut at the 1939 CNE. • The Princes' Gates, the symbol of the CNE, were constructed in 1927 to com- memorate the 60th anniversary of Canadian Confederation. Edward, Prince of Wales and his brother, Prince George, opened the gates during their tour of Canada in August 1927. • Having fostered interest in aviation since its beginning, the CNE joined with the Canadian International Air Show in 1956 to feature annual demonstrations of the newest aircraft from throughout the world. • During the Second World War, the CNE was not held from 1942-1946 because the Canadian troops occupied the buildings and grounds. • Canada's first colour television net- work was a feature of the 1962 CNE. • Canada's first roller coaster was a feature of the 1886 exhibition. • The CNE draws over 1.5 million peo- ple annually.