A young Dresden woman will carry a big part of small town Ontario with her when she competes for the Canadian National Exhibition Ambassador of the Fairs title in Toronto later this month.
Lindsay Martin, the current Dresden Fair Ambassador, qualified for the CNE earlier this year by impressing regional judges in a competition which tested her composure, appearance and speaking ability.
“We (the contestants) were required to give a speech, answer questions and generally show how we could represent ourselves if we were to be chosen ambassador,” she said. “ I was kind of nervous but I’m really glad I did it.”
Heading into her second year of Human Kinetics study at the University of Windsor, the daughter of Mike and Nicole Martin said the experience of being the Dresden Ambassador has been great.
“I wasn’t sure I wanted to enter last year but it has helped my confidence so much,” she said. “I have skills now I never did before and doing things such as interviews for jobs is something that I know I can handle.”
She credits friend Shirley McKerral with keeping her motivated and confident.
“She’s my rock,” she said. “Every single time I get worried, she just looks at me and says “you got this, girl.” I don’t know where I’d be without her support.”
A lifeguard/instructor at the Dresden Pool for the past four years, she said she loves working with the children and teaching. “There’s nothing better than when you see a child do something for the first time,” she said. “They really get excited and you can see how proud they are.”
Lindsay said she loves being part of a small town. “It’s so nice that when you’re out you meet so many people you know. It’s a feeling of family that makes you feel a part of something.”
Regardless of the outcome, Lindsay said she’s looking forward to the adventure. “The parade, being in downtown Toronto, that will all be fun,” she said.
She’s in good company locally as last year’s second runner up was Justina Walker of Dresden.
