A Tilbury teen has been chosen to wear the crown as the 2016 CNE Ambassador of the Fairs at the Canadian National Exhibition in Toronto.
18-year-old Amy Natyshak, who was representing the Comber Agricultural Society as Miss Comber Fair, beat out more than 70 other contestants for the honour.
"It's very exciting to be named to this title as I'm the first Miss Comber to ever have this honour," says Natyshak. "I'm looking forward to seeing what this title will bring me because I'll be able to travel across Ontario and visit many different agricultural fairs."
The competition took place over three days, with the top seven finalists participating in the final round on Sunday, August 21 inside the Queen Elizabeth Theatre.
From there, the field was knocked down to three competitors who had to pick an impromptu question -- Natyshak's question was "How does climate change affect rural communities?"
"I was a little taken aback, I wasn't necessarily prepared for that kind of a question," says Natyshak. "But I was able to mention how it is affecting our farmers -- especially because we have had a very dry summer."
Well aware that she may inspire other young people in the area to compete at this level, Natyshak has some advice for CNE Ambassador of the Fairs hopefuls.
"Be yourself -- people can tell when you're being genuine and that's what draws people to you," says Natyshak "On the competition front, if you are being yourself and taking those experiences in, whether you win or lose doesn't really matter you'll have a good time and you won't regret it."
Natyshak will now participate in a series of official duties at the CNE over the next two weeks.
She will also take home a cash award of $3,500, an all inclusive vacation, and a number of other prizes.