With just over two months or a mere nine weeks until the big day, the countdown to the Norwood Fair has begun with the choosing of the 2025 Norwood Fair Ambassador. The annual tradition was held this past Sunday at the village community centre.

Congratulations to Lora Ross on becoming the 2025 Norwood Fair Ambassador. Lora received her crown from 2024 Ambassador Alyssa Morrison.

There were only two competitors vying for the title this year; Lora and Margot Walsh, however what was lacking in numbers was far surpassed by the incredible talent, enthusiasm and passion shown by these two amazing young ladies.

Lora and Margot have been best friends since childhood; their close bond proudly displayed on both of their picture displays and in their speeches and interviews. Both girls have been fair volunteers for years and both are justifiably proud to be able to say that their families have been heavily involved with the fair for generations.

This year’s contest was probably the closest finish in the history of the competition, as Lora and Margot gave the three judges a near impossible task to consider. Competitors were judged on their self-confidence and speaking abilities, their knowledge of the fair and community as well as their understanding and involvement in agricultural activities. Each contestant participates in an interview with the judges, presents a prepared speech and answers an impromptu question.

Both girls spoke passionately about the fair and what it means to them and the community in their speeches. Each put considerable emphasis on the importance of the large volunteer base that has been the backbone of the fairs success. They mirrored the sentiment of the 2025 fair theme “From Seed to Table” by drawing a comparison between the fair and the seed; how the volunteers have nurtured and cared for it for more than 150 year to help the fair grow into the premier festival it is today.

The 2025 ambassador was sponsored by the Royal Canadian Legion Branch 300. Lora is the daughter of Steve Ross and Hajni Hos of Norwood. Lora will be entering Grade 12 at Lakefield College School in September. She is an honour roll student and has received the college’s Scholar of Distinction Award; she was also elected by her peers to a leadership role, as Head of Standards. Lora is involved with various sports teams and groups, from skiing to rock climbing. The musical theatre also features in her activities as she has taken on acting roles at Westbend Theatre. Lora has also participated in a number of student exchange programs over the years giving her the opportunity to travel to several European countries. She volunteers some of her time with the New Canadian Centre, the Asphodel Norwood Food Bank, Hospice and the Norwood Fair among others. Lora’s future plans are to complete an Arts and Science dual credit undergraduate program at McMaster University, earn her Master’s degree in Health Sciences and then work within the medical field.

Margot Walsh was sponsored by Norwood Veterinary Services. Margot is the daughter of Ed and Kerstin Walsh of Norwood. She attends Norwood District High School and will be entering Grade 12 in September; she is an honour roll student, award winning athlete and is active on student council. She is an accomplished piano player and volunteers her time with the Norwood Skating Club, the local basketball program and the Norwood Fair among others. Margot’s future plans include attending the University of Guelph where she will study to become a veterinarian.

Congratulations to both Lora and Margot for your passion, enthusiasm and your willingness to compete; you have exemplified the age old spirit of the Norwood Fair as a friendly competition between friends and neighbours.

The near impossible task of choosing the 2025-26 Ambassador fell to this year’s three judges:

Cathy Wood: Raised on a dairy farm in Otonabee Township; Cathy and her husband have embraced the farming lifestyle running their own dairy farm, beef farm and also a sheep farm over the years. Now retired, a small herd of beef cattle occupy some of their time. Cathy is very involved in her community as the secretary for the Keene United Church, treasurer for the Fife Cemetery and the chair of the popular Keene Pumpkin Fest.

Erin Sawyer: Erin (formerly Webb) grew up in Norwood; she and her husband and two active children currently reside in Cobourg, where besides being a very busy mom, she has established herself as a successful regional manager in the health care industry. Erin is quite familiar with the fair ambassador program, as she was the Norwood Fair Ambassador in 2003.

Dillon Muldoon: Dillon is a PhD Candidate in the Environmental and Life Science Program at Trent University in Peterborough Ontario, specializing in soil microbial ecology; with a keen interest in how soil microbial communities impact carbon cycling in agricultural soils. He holds a B.Sc. in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems and a M.Sc. in Environmental Sciences.

He is also the current manager at the Trent Farm.

The success of the fair’s modern day ambassador program is rightfully credited to the current organizing committee; this incredible team is largely comprised of past fair ambassadors and contestants all under the leadership of Ashley Calder (Ashley herself wore the coveted sash in 2008). With previous knowledge of how the competition works, this unique link with the competitors helps by providing sound advice and tips, quelling fears and calming nerves to make the contestants a little more at ease. Thanks to these dedicated organizers the Fair Ambassador program remains an integral and important Norwood Fair tradition.

© Peterborough Examiner