Olivia Avery from Kawartha Lakes is crowned the CNE’s 2026 Ambassador of the Fairs

MAC CLARKE Media Relations Coordinator CNE

KAWARTHA LAKES: As the newly minted winner of the 2026 CNE (Canadian National Exhibition) Ambassador of the Fairs, Olivia will receive a cash prize of $3,500 and participate in a series of official duties at Canada’s largest fair over the next two weeks, including special appearances, while also representing her local agricultural community. The exclusive year-long role of Ambassador of the Fairs will take her across Ontario as a representative of the CNE and all agricultural fairs in the province.  

The first runner-up was Jared Hunter from Kingston Agricultural Society, one of only four males to compete in this year’s competition, who also notably received the Congeniality Award, voted by fellow contestants. Kymberly Farmer from Six Nations Agricultural Society was named second runner-up in the CNE’s longstanding annual competition dating back more than 50 years.  

The CNE was founded as an agricultural fair, and today continues to offer programming that aims to educate and celebrate Canada’s rich history in agriculture and honour the Fair’s agricultural roots.  The competition is open to young women and men from agricultural societies across Ontario and has seen more than 3,000 contestants from over 100 communities since the first CNE Ambassador of the Fairs competition in 1972, won by Debby Carter-Wood from Richmond Hill.

Winner - 2026 CNE Ambassador of the Fairs:  Olivia Avery from Kawartha Lakes, ON

1st Runner-up: Jared Hunter, Kingston Agricultural Society (Inverary, ON)

2nd Runner-up: Kymberly Farmer, Six Nations Agricultural Society (Ohsweken, ON)

Semi-finalists:  

● Sara Coates, Parkhill Agricultural Society

● Jillian Ohm, Listowel Agricultural Society

● Samantha Norwood, Brooklin Agricultural Society

● Wesley O'Leary, Coldwater & District Agricultural Society

The Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) is governed by the Canadian National Exhibition Association (CNEA), composed of a volunteer Board of Directors. The CNEA plans and presents the annual Canadian National Exhibition at Exhibition Place in Toronto, Ontario. Founded in 1879, the CNE generates an economic impact of approximately $129 million for the Greater Toronto Area and $164 million for the province of Ontario each year (when in operation). In 2025, the CNE attracted 1.42 million visitors to its 18-day fair.