Brussels Agricultural Society chooses its 2026 Ambassadors
BY TORY LYNN DAW
Late last month, the Brussels Agricultural Society chose its three representatives for the coming year ahead of the Brussels Fall Fair, scheduled for Sept. 15-16.
Ambassador
Rowan Gaspirc is a dedicated and community-minded young leader who has spent much of her life giving back to the Brussels community. Her commitment to volunteerism and leadership is demonstrated through her many contributions, including serving as Co-President of her Student Council, as a past-president of the Brussels Leos, and as a former Little Ambassador for the Brussels Fall Fair.
Beyond her volunteer work, Rowan is actively involved in a variety of extracurricular activities that reflect her enthusiasm, dedication and willingness to challenge herself. She plays broomball in Blyth and is a trombone player with the Seaforth All-Girls Marching Band. Rowan also has a deep appreciation for the outdoors and enjoys connecting with nature, including through her participation in the El Camino Hike along the Maitland Trail.
Rowan’s passion for making a positive difference extends beyond her local community. This fall, she will be applying to Environmental Science programs across Canada, with the goal of pursuing a career focused on creating a more sustainable future. Through her leadership, community involvement, and commitment to environmental stewardship, Rowan demonstrates the qualities of a compassionate and driven young person dedicated to making a meaningful impact for generations to come.
Ksenia Wagemans is the daughter of Andrew and Jill Wagemans and proudly calls the small hamlet of Henfryn, just inside the border of Huron East, home. She is currently pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture at the University of Guelph and will be entering her second year this fall.
Ksenia has a strong interest in the many opportunities available within the agriculture industry. While she has not yet decided on a specific career path, she is actively exploring her options by expanding her knowledge and gaining valuable experience through a variety of positions within the agricultural sector. Her curiosity, willingness to learn and dedication to exploring different opportunities reflect her passion for the future of agriculture.
In her free time, Ksenia enjoys reading and learning new line and square dances. She values opportunities to continue learning, challenging herself and connecting with others through her interests and experiences.
As she continues her education and explores the many possible paths within the agriculture industry, Ksenia looks forward to the opportunities that lie ahead. She is especially excited to participate in this year's competition and is proud to represent her community while continuing to grow both personally and professionally.
Rowan Gaspirc was proudly named the winner and the 2026-2027 Fall Fair Ambassador. Her dedication to her community, strong leadership skills, commitment to volunteerism and passion for creating a more sustainable future make her a deserving recipient of this recognition. Rowan’s achievements and positive contributions reflect the qualities of an exceptional young leader, and she is congratulated on this well-deserved accomplishment.
Junior Ambassador
Hazel Terpstra is an enthusiastic and hardworking young member of her community who will be entering Grade 6 at St. Mary’s Catholic School in Listowel this fall.
Hazel has a strong passion for agriculture and loves spending time with her calves and helping out at the barn. This summer, she has been keeping busy with her entrepreneurial spirit, selling sweet corn and planning an upcoming bake sale. Her enthusiasm and willingness to take initiative reflect her hardworking and motivated personality.
When she is not spending time at the barn or working on her latest project, Hazel enjoys staying active. She loves playing on the trampoline and challenging herself by practicing and learning new tricks.
With her positive attitude, strong work ethic and enthusiasm for everything she takes on, Hazel is a bright and energetic young person who is sure to continue making a positive impact in her community.
Sophia Blake is an enthusiastic and active young member of her community who is currently in Grade 6 at North Woods Elementary School. She lives on her family’s beef farm in Molesworth, where she enjoys spending time in the barn and being involved in farm life.
Sophia is an active member of both the beef and sheep 4-H Clubs, demonstrating her passion for agriculture and her commitment to learning and developing new skills. Outside of her agricultural interests, she enjoys staying active through bowling, figure skating, soccer and swimming.
Sophia also had the exciting opportunity to serve as the Brussels Fall Fair Little Ambassador in 2024, an experience she thoroughly enjoyed. Looking toward the future, she hopes that one day she will be able to say she has held all three Brussels Fall Fair Ambassador titles.
With her enthusiasm for agriculture, dedication to her community and love of trying new activities, Sophia is a bright and motivated young person who is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead.
Sophia Blake was proudly named the winner and the 2026-2027 Fall Fair Junior Ambassador. Her passion for agriculture, dedication to her community, active involvement in 4-H and enthusiasm for the Brussels Fall Fair make her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. Sophia’s positive attitude, commitment to learning, and excitement for being involved in her community reflect the qualities of an exceptional young leader. Congratulations to Sophia on this well-deserved accomplishment!
Little Ambassador
Emmett Blake is an enthusiastic and active young member of his community who is currently in Grade 3 at North Woods Elementary School. He lives on his family’s beef farm in Molesworth, where he enjoys spending time in the barn and being involved with the family’s agricultural activities.
Emmett enjoys showing alongside his family and looks forward to opportunities to be involved in the agricultural community. Outside of the farm, he stays busy participating in a variety of sports and activities, including bowling, figure skating and soccer. He also enjoys swimming and using his creativity to make things from random materials and objects he finds.
With his enthusiasm for farm life, love of staying active and creative personality, Emmett is excited to participate in and enjoy this year’s fair.
Michaela Townsend is a bright and energetic nine-year-old and the daughter of Debbie Terpstra and Ross Townsend. She attends St. Columban Catholic School and will be entering Grade 5 this fall.
Michaela has a strong passion for agriculture and enjoys spending time working alongside her family. She loves riding her horse, Lena, and can often be found lending a hand around the pig barn, while also finding time to practice her favourite flips! Michaela is also an enthusiastic young entrepreneur who enjoys selling her own sweet corn and pumpkins.
In addition to her involvement in farm life, Michaela plays the violin and enjoys exploring a variety of interests. Her energy, enthusiasm, entrepreneurial spirit, and love for agriculture make her a dedicated and vibrant young member of her community.
Michaela Townsend was proudly named the winner and the 2026-2027 Fall Fair Little Ambassador. Her enthusiasm for agriculture, entrepreneurial spirit, dedication to her many interests and energetic personality make her a truly deserving recipient of this recognition. Michaela’s passion for farm life, her commitment to working alongside her family, and her willingness to take on new challenges reflect the qualities of an exceptional young leader. Congratulations to Michaela on this well-deserved accomplishment!