The North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association (NTFFRA) Ambassador Program held its 75th coronation on Aug. 24 at the beautifully-decorated Fall Fair Hall in Barriere.
There were approximately 60 guests in attendance. The audience included local supporters, family, and friends of this year’s ambassador candidates, as well as many who travelled in from out of town.
Ambassadors from three other communities — Kamloops, Quesnel, and Oliver — were in attendance with their chaperones, along with the reigning B.C. Ambassador Jordyn Nelson and judges Joan Omasta from Kamloops and Dorothy Stark from Louis Creek.
The three local ambassador candidates were Alexis Amos (sponsored by Carl's Hay Sales), Jayde Nickel (sponsored by Rainer Custom Cutting), and Morgan Wohlgemuth (sponsored by Sam’s Pizza and Rib House). All three were crowned as official North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Ambassadors by the reigning ambassador, Jesimae Harrison, during the evening.
The ambassadors are mentored and coordinated in preparation for upcoming Fall Fair by Ambassador Program coordinators Leslie Harpauer (MC for the evening) and Tammy Bunting, who offer support and guidance to participants in the lead-up to the coronation and throughout their reign.
Harrison joined the three new ambassadors, who were dressed in handmade ribbon skirts. The skirts are customarily worn by Indigenous women and girls during special events, celebrations, ceremonies, and gatherings. The young ambassadors were coached in drumming by Simpcw drummer Angie Rainer, and they welcomed guests and dignitaries with the traditional Secwépemc Mountain Song.
Dignitaries on hand included Simpcw First Nation councillor Tina Donald, North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo president Ed Salle, Thompson-Nicola Regional District Area "O" director Jill Hayward, and District of Barriere councillor Judy Armstrong.
The newly-crowned ambassadors will represent the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo throughout the coming year, travelling to other communities and attending many local events in the North Thompson Valley.
"The ambassadors will start their duties this weekend with their introduction at the opening ceremonies of the Fall Fair," said Beverly Murphy, one of the assistants for the ambassador program this year, having been involved for many years with this popular event. "This includes riding in the Fall Fair Parade, selling 50/50 tickets, and visiting with people during the fair at the fairgrounds.
“The girls have been preparing for months and attend many programs, such as public speaking, interview skills, resume writing, etiquette, personal empowerment, nutrition and body image, and even auto maintenance," added Murphy.
"It was a really great evening, and everyone enjoyed refreshments and visiting following the ceremony. We are so proud of these inspiring young ambassadors representing our area.”
