Anticipation and anxiety filled the night at the 2010 Harriston-Minto Ambassador of the Fair competition on Saturday at the Harriston Community Centre.
Approximately 70 family and friends were in attendance to see which of the five capable contestants would be crowned. In the end, only one could hold the title, and the judges chose Jessica Oelschlagel of Harriston.  
The decision was hard, with Ali Ivel, Jessica Hoover, Ally Jewell and Tarah Teune all showing they are great representatives for Minto.
“I wasn’t sure who would get it (the title). They’re all so good,” says Oelschlagel.
The contestants had interviews in the afternoon, followed by supper. All contestants were required to both give a prepared speech and answer an impromptu question during the course of the evening. Speech topics all included the fair theme, cornstalks and scarecrows.
“The community is really fortunate to have so many great young people. All of the girls did a great job,” said Marg Shannon, president of the Harriston-Minto Agricultural Society.
Oelschlagel is looking forward to the fair weekend, where she is excited to be participating in a variety of events. As ambassador, Oelschlagel has plans to increase youth involvement at the fair.
Oelschlagel is an equine enthusiast. She takes part in barrel racing and rodeo riding with her horses, and was a member of the Community Environmental Leadership Program at Norwell District Secondary School, where she performed a large number of community service projects.
During her speech, Oelschlagel reminded everyone of the importance of community and also of the benefits of living in a small town. She highlighted the many volunteer projects she is part of, and how good it feels to come home after being away. Oelschlagel said she is just like her town — all about community, agriculture and everything country.
During the course of the year, the ambassador will not only represent Harriston-Minto at local events and during the Harriston-Minto Fair, duties also include attending the Miss Mid-West competition and the CNE Ambassador of the Fairs competition.  

The co-ordinator for the ambassador program, Deanna Glazema, is proud of the quality of contestants which Harriston continually has. She attributes the smoothness of the evening to her committee and also to the contestants and judges.
Judges for the evening were Nadine Peel from Drayton, Linda Harris from Mount Forest, and Jeanine Moyer from Drayton. Town of Minto deputy mayor Judy Dirksen kept everything on time as the master of ceremonies. As judges deliberated, the crowd was treated to entertainment by Jason Gerber of Listowel, 2009 CMT Karaoke Star Winner.
The community pulled together for the event, with a large number of donations allowing for prizes for all contestants. In addition, local businesses assisted with taking portraits, decorating the hall, printing programs and helping with refreshments.
Other prizes awarded were first runner-up, which went to Ali Ivel; the friendship award, given to Jessica Hoover; and best speech, delivered by Tarah Teune.

Anyone interested in the ambassador competition or committee is invited to contact the Harriston-Minto Agricultural Society.