Alana Tufford – Markham Fair Ambassador 2012

I am nothing less than honoured to be the 2012 Markham Fair ambassador, it has been a childhood dream come true. Not only did I get to see the fair through new eyes and spend the weekend with two great girls (Jenn Lee and Victoria Osadchuck-Hammond) but in August I am privileged to represent this wonderful non-profit community organization at the CNE.

When you enter your work into the Markham Fair an interesting series of events occur. First there’s a sense of intrigue and excitement when picking which classes to enter, then you brainstorm on how you’ll make your work much more amazing than everyone else’s. Next is the time spent working on your entries (or being hounded by your mother to finish said entries), and finally, it’s time to bring your work to the grounds! More excitement builds in seeing all the activity from volunteer’s prepping and exhibitors, like yourself, bringing in what they’ve worked so hard at but you begin to worry; what if someone else drew a cartoon cow that’s cuter?! No matter, judging occurs and it’s Fair time! (Traditionally a yearly holiday for me.) Your worries dissolve once you see your work, and regardless of place, you are proud. Proud to see your work displayed for 70 000 people, proud that you get to bring everyone you know to admire it and proud that although someone DID draw a cuter cow, everyone you know likes your work best.

I have kept most of what I’ve entered because that pride never goes away, for me looking at past work and thinking about the Markham Fair brings back gilded memories. My only wish is that you give the Fair a chance to do the same for you. The Fair is a wonderful place filled with good hearted people; it has something for everyone from nightlife to knitting.

Your Markham Fair is made better only by the community that surrounds it. For these reasons I strongly encourage anyone that can enter to do so. Canada’s largest 4-day fair couldn’t do it without you.

Happily yours,

Alana Tufford, Markham Fair Ambassador 2012