Ambassador's Message

It has been an honourable privilege to be able to represent Howick-Turnberry throughout the past year.

The annual Howick-Turnberry Fall Fair 2012, was a huge success; from Claude Haggerty’s illusionist shows to the human truck pull and the introduction of pig racing. I also enjoyed visiting the many public schools in Howick and Turnberry Township to promote the fair. 

I was able to be a part of many activities throughout this past year and have thoroughly enjoyed every event.

One of many highlights from this past year as Howick-Turnberry fall fair ambassador was designing and entering a float in the Santa Claus parades. The blustery snow couldn’t stop the Howick Agricultural Society as we managed to enter into three Santa Claus parades within 24 hours. I was also able to attend the Vintage Snowmobile Show in January where many attendees, including myself, enjoyed the complimentary four mile ride on their sleds. Throughout the summer, I also attended a few Cruise Nights at the Howick Community Centre where many motorcyclists and antique car owners met to socialize and display their vehicles.

In February, I was very fortunate to attend the OAAS (Ontario Association of Agricultural Societies) convention, held at the Royal York in Toronto for three days. At convention I met with eighty nine energetic ambassadors and attended various workshops on public speaking, interviewing and leadership skills. The evening showcase at Convention featured many entertainers including, Kira Isabella! The OAAS convention was a great way to meet other ambassadors and form lasting relationships.

Earlier this year, I also participated in the District 8 ambassador workshop and competition which prepared many of the district 8 ambassadors for the CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) in August.

I cannot be more grateful for the many experiences that I have encountered this past year as Howick-Turnberry Fall Fair Ambassador. I would like to thank the Howick Agricultural Society for allowing me the opportunity to represent and get to know my community better. 

Thank you,

Claudia

The 2013 OAAS  Convention was quite a success.

With eighty nine energetic ambassadors, there were so many people to meet. The ambassadors started off the weekend with an Icebreaker party which allowed us to find ambassadors with common interests. This was one of my favourite parts of the weekend.  The evening showcase entertainment was quite spectacular. Some of the entertainment featured included JayDee hypnotist, comedy with a circus flair: Spin Cycle and country singer Kira Isabella!

Throughout the weekend I was able to attend many seminars on topics including, public speaking, the CNE, interviewing skills and leadership skills. Winning the Annual Calgary Stampede Speech Contest, Ryan Bickert shared his successful tips on public speaking. Mark Beaven, the OAAS general manager was excited to reveal the new OAAS logo and encouraged the ambassadors to become more involved in their fairs. 

We were also privileged to take a tour through the hotel. With 1217 employees as of the 2013 convention, it was amazing to see the background work that is done to keep the hotel running smoothly. We were told that if the kitchens were compiled together they would equal four football fields!

I was also able to meet up with the district 8 ambassadors and we all enjoyed a dinner together. Later in the evening, the ambassadors introduced themselves during the presidents reception and had a dance following. By the end of the evening, no one wanted to head back to their hotel rooms so many of us hung out for a while longer. 

Leaving convention felt like I was leaving family– a big family– as many of us had built close friendships even during such a short time period. I can truly say that I thoroughly enjoyed my time at the OAAS convention and am very thankful that the Howick Ag. Society gave me the wonderful opportunity to go to convention. 

Nearing Christmas, the Howick Agricultural Society was able to decorate a float for the Wroxeter, Wingham and Listowel Santa Claus parades. We participated in all three parades within 24 hours. I also got to ride in a convertible while participating in the Wroxeter Santa Claus parade! 

On Saturday January 27th, I was able to attend the Vintage Snowmobile Show at the Howick Community Centre. It was a great turnout with many attendees enjoying the complimentary four mile ride on their sleds, before the rain that was forcasted for the next few days. I even got to go sledding and had a great time!

The next event that I will be attending is the 2013 O.A.A.S. Convention, held at Royal York Hotel in Toronto, on February 14th - 16th, 2013.     I am looking forward to convention!