For more than half a century the annual Fair Queen competition stood as a cherished tradition, a highlight of the summer that brought families and friends together. Generations watched daughters, sisters and neighbours take the stage not just for beauty or poise but for community. As the final tiara was placed in 2023, the chapter quietly closed.
The decision to end the competition wasn’t made lightly, the committee spent the last few years hoping to continue the competition, but organizers cited changing times, dwindling participation and a desire to focus on more inclusive programming that reflects the evolving identity of the Fall Fair.
Organizer/Committee Member for many years, Sis McCormick wore the crown in 2002, along with co-organizer/committee member Mary Croswell, whose daughter Ashley wore the crown in 2013 and there are many more. The last crowned Fair Queen Isabella Meeks stood not only as the final titleholder but also the bridge between past and future. Dorothy Bonot created the Emo Fair Queen Contest, and the longevity of the program has been strong. For many who took part in the contest shared many wonderful memories of selling buttons, parades, interviews and the friendships made representing their community as the Emo Fair Queen. Though the crowns and banners may no longer grace the Fairgrounds, the celebration of everyone who wore the crown will always be part of the tradition and can evolve while still honouring where we have come from and where we are going…The legacy of the Emo Fair Queen competition – its values of community, confidence and connection.
As the beloved Fair Queen Competition has officially come to an end. In its place, a new chapter: Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair Ambassador Bursary program, aimed at supporting young adults with leadership potential and passion for community service. As our community’s change, so must the ways we recognize and support our youth. The Ambassador Bursary allows us to honour the same values – service, leadership, volunteerism and community engagement. The Ambassador will demonstrate a commitment to their community, leadership in agriculture or urban life, and a vision for their future. The winner will receive a monetary Bursary from the Fair Board to support their education/projects and their future, the program is open to everyone ages 17 – 22 years of age. Candidates will be evaluated through written application and interview process.
The decision to end the competition wasn’t made lightly, the committee spent the last few years hoping to continue the competition, but organizers cited changing times, dwindling participation and a desire to focus on more inclusive programming that reflects the evolving identity of the Fall Fair.
Organizer/Committee Member for many years, Sis McCormick wore the crown in 2002, along with co-organizer/committee member Mary Croswell, whose daughter Ashley wore the crown in 2013 and there are many more. The last crowned Fair Queen Isabella Meeks stood not only as the final titleholder but also the bridge between past and future. Dorothy Bonot created the Emo Fair Queen Contest, and the longevity of the program has been strong. For many who took part in the contest shared many wonderful memories of selling buttons, parades, interviews and the friendships made representing their community as the Emo Fair Queen. Though the crowns and banners may no longer grace the Fairgrounds, the celebration of everyone who wore the crown will always be part of the tradition and can evolve while still honouring where we have come from and where we are going…The legacy of the Emo Fair Queen competition – its values of community, confidence and connection.
As the beloved Fair Queen Competition has officially come to an end. In its place, a new chapter: Rainy River Valley Agricultural Society Fall Fair Ambassador Bursary program, aimed at supporting young adults with leadership potential and passion for community service. As our community’s change, so must the ways we recognize and support our youth. The Ambassador Bursary allows us to honour the same values – service, leadership, volunteerism and community engagement. The Ambassador will demonstrate a commitment to their community, leadership in agriculture or urban life, and a vision for their future. The winner will receive a monetary Bursary from the Fair Board to support their education/projects and their future, the program is open to everyone ages 17 – 22 years of age. Candidates will be evaluated through written application and interview process.
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