Written By Olena Riznyk
MIDDLESEX - Three local agricultural ambassadors were selected to represent Glencoe, Parkhill and Ilderton at the Canadian National Exhibition’s Ambassador of the Fairs competition in Toronto.
Natasha Matthews represented the Glencoe Agricultural Society; Sara Coates represented the Parkhill Agricultural Society; and Hannah Nelemans represented the Ilderton Agricultural Society.
For Matthews and Coates, the ambassador program is about more than competing for a title. Both see it as a way to support their communities, build leadership skills and keep younger generations connected to local agricultural fairs.
Matthews grew up on a farm and said agriculture has always been part of her life. She became Glencoe’s ambassador through a competition at the community’s annual fall fair.
“I decided to take part because I wanted to advocate for the connection between farming and youth development,” Matthews said.
One of the highlights of her year was helping organize the Glencoe Agricultural Society’s first celebratory gala, marking the organization’s 150th anniversary. The committee included past and present ambassadors, directors and community members.
“I am proud to carry forward our community’s 150-year legacy onto a provincial stage,” Matthews said.
Coates has been involved with the Parkhill fair since childhood, first as junior princess, then princess and now ambassador. She represented Parkhill in 2025 and was recently selected again for 2026. Coates said she believes she is the first Parkhill ambassador to serve two terms.
While Coates lives in town rather than on a farm, her father grew up farming outside Parkhill.
“Even when you’re not living directly on a farm, you’re so exposed to all forms of agriculture,” Coates said.
Her role has also gone beyond attending events and wearing the ambassador sash. Coates became an active participant on the fair board and spent much of the past year helping with fundraising and efforts to rebuild parts of the fair after difficult years. The organization brought back some rides, while an online raffle helped raise funds.
Coates said she wants more young people to see the ambassador program as a leadership and skill-building opportunity rather than something only for people comfortable with public speaking.
“I really want the program to get the recognition that I feel like it deserves and for other people to have the same opportunities that I’m having,” she said.
Coates is entering her fourth year studying child development at King’s University College and hopes to become a high school teacher. She said the ambassador experience has helped her become more confident speaking in front of people and advocating for others.
Before the competition, Matthews said winning would give her a larger platform to advocate for agricultural education and youth mentorship. Coates viewed it less as winning a prize and more as an opportunity to bring a rural perspective to a larger audience and connect agricultural communities facing similar challenges.
The Ambassador of the Fairs competition brings together representatives from agricultural societies across Ontario as part of the CNE.
