The Stratford Fair Ambassador program began in 1974 and was inaugurated by the women’s division of the Stratford Agricultural Society. In its beginning, it was known as “Queen of the Fair”. The royal duties for the queen were focused on promoting the fair. The queen would visit other fairs in the area, ride in parades, take an active roll in fair events (such as handing out ribbons for the 4-H competitions and Mini Prince and Princess winners), public relations work for the fair, and help organize the competition for the following year. 

Today, the program has the same roots but with some modern changes. The name was changed to Stratford Fair Ambassador, to move away from a pageant perspective, and to open the program to both boys and girls. The role of the Ambassador, is still what it was in 1974, to promote the fair.

Stratford Fair Ambassadors take an active role in the fair, including handing out ribbons, attending milking demos, judging the baby contest, judging the mini price and princess contest, and being out and about to answer questions fair-goers have about the fair and its importance to the community.

The Ambassador attends many community events throughout the year giving them the opportunity to give back to their community, develop their public speaking skills, attend professional development workshops, make life-long friends, and of course, promote the importance of fairs and agricultural societies wherever possible.

Stratford Fair Ambassadors have the opportunity to partake in a regional competition, for title of District 8 Ambassador and get to represent fairs across Huron-Perth. As well as partake in the CNE’s Ambassador of the Fairs competition in Toronto, for title of CNE Ambassador and to represent the CNE at fairs across Ontario.

A well respected program across Ontario, the Stratford Ambassador program is known for having professional, involved and kind ambassadors. A testament to the program, many ambassadors return to the fair every year to watch the competition, stay on the ambassador committee, join the Stratford & District Agricultural Society, and of course continue to promote the fair and the ambassador program. Once an ambassador, always an ambassador!

Stratford has had 51 incredible Fair Queens/Ambassadors.

Robinson, Dean. Reflections: A History of the Stratford Agricultural Society 1841-1991. Stratford, 1991.