Rock On: Melineige adds a finishing touch to her winning entry
I’m always hunting for new experiences. I also love a good contest. The nexus point, where both occur, is the Ex.
Earlier this week, I attended two contests. One introduced a sport that’s growing in popularity, while the other continued a tradition started in 1972. One occurred at Heritage Court, allowing unsuspecting fairgoers to stop, snap pictures and ask: “How did they do that?” The other happened at the Queen Elizabeth Theatre, providing knowledgeable supporters a chance to sit, take flash photography and cheer for their favorite. One was new for the Ex, while the other was new for me.
The first annual CNE National Sand Sculpting Competition brought in sand artists from all over Canada. They took a common hobby to a professional level, and a higher artistry, creating detailed masterpieces taller than themselves. In addition to the traditional – yet oversized – bucket and shovel, they used tools typically used to create permanent structures.
The first ever champion, Melineige Beauregard from Quebec, created a bass player that made me think of 1920′s jazz.
The Ambassador of the Fairs Competition also grabbed my interest. Provincial in scope, each participating fair hoped the judges would choose their representative as this year’s Ambassador for the CNE. While all the contestants were handsome or pretty, this co-ed pageant was no beauty contest. Contestants were judged by their poise, their intelligence and their personality.
Even before Angela Curtis was crowned, I sensed she would win. Not only did give a good speech, providing reasons why fairs are still relevant in our high tech society, but she had a thoughtful, sophisticated presence, that more befitted a person born into royalty than a stereotypical “fair queen.”
Later that day, I asked her how what her first parade as the 2009 winner felt like. She said: “Everyone should get a chance to do this.”
Indeed. Competition – when paired with grace, style and artistry – brings the best out of all of us.
Aaron
aka The Ex Hound
