Lexi Johnston is the Canadian National Exhibition’s Ambassador of the Fairs.
Johnston, from just outside of Listowel, is the 2024-2025 Listowel Fair ambassador.
Johnston says it’s an honour to accept the CNE honour.
“It’s a little bit overwhelming the first couple of days,” said Johnston.
“Everybody’s been so happy, and I’ve gotten a lot of congratulations and words of kindness from my hometown. It’s been a whirlwind but I’m truly so honoured and happy.”
The exhibition is seen as Canada’s largest community event that showcases innovations in technology and commercial products, as well as entertainment.
Johnston said during her time representing the Listowel Fair, she became part of the Ambassadors of the Fair program, meeting “60-70 other ambassadors.”
“As we all competed in the CNE, we had leadership workshops Friday and Saturday, team-building skills and each of us had a five-minute interview with a panel of three judges,” said Johnston.
“Sunday was the competition day, which started with the semi-finals in the morning, and that consisted of each ambassador going on stage and delivering a one-minute speech about a topic of our choice.”
She says after a break, the competitors returned that afternoon for the finals, where she and the others delivered an elevator pitch.
The top three, including Lexi, were chosen to answer an impromptu question.
“I was sitting in the back going through my mind that six people were ahead of me, there’s only one more person to call so I was a little on edge,” said Johnston.
Johnston is staying at the CNE grounds in Toronto until the event wraps on Sept. 1.
After returning home, she will visit several local fairs.
