The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) has named Sutton's Madelyn Grossi as the 2022-2023 Ambassador of the Fairs.
In this year-long position, Grossi will represent the CNE and all agricultural fairs while travelling across Ontario. She will also carry out official duties at the remaining days of the CNE in Toronto.
Grossi represents the Sutton Fair and Horse Show and Sutton Agricultural Society. She is active in her community and also is involved in Georgina Cares and the Optimist Club of Keswick.
Grossi is going into her third year at Brock University, where she studies sports management, where she co-hosts the program's podcast. Grossi is passionate about sports and fitness. Not only has she been working with Toronto FC as a game crew member and with Tennis Canada as a fan experience representative, but she has also competed in a worldwide crossfit competition for the past four years.
Grossi was among 30 participants vying for the ambassador role. She was one of seven finalists in the final round on Aug. 21. Also representing York Region in the final round was Shae-Lynn Seeley-Reesor of Markham and East York Agricultural Society.
The finalists were interviewed and judged on a number of criteria, including knowledge of the CNE and Canadian agriculture, poise, self-confidence, public speaking and overall impression.
The ambassador program has been a long-standing tradition at the CNE dating back to 1972. Grossi is the 49th ambassador of the fairs. The program aims to educate and celebrate Canada's agricultural history.
The first runner-up this year is Emma Smyth of the Arthur Agricultural Society and the second runner-up is Mary Fizell of Listowel Agricultural Society.
The CNE runs in Toronto until Sept. 5.
