Anne of Green Gables lives in Hamlin

Rachel Walker, 14, of Hamlin, won the Anne of Green Gables Look-alike Contest.

For years, the Reverend William Amann has been telling parishioner Rachel Walker that she looks just like Anne of Green Gables – the long red hair and sparkling eyes. The Hilton clergyman has always enjoyed the "Anne of Green Gables" books by Lucy Maud Montgomery and the popular "Road to Avonlea Series" on television. He passed that interest to 14 year-old Rachel by always calling her Anne.

In September, Rachel, her parents, David and Laurie Walker of Hamlin, brother, Colin, and Amann traveled to the Westfield Heritage Village in Rockton, Ontario (not far from Stratford) so that Rachel could compete in the "Anne of Green Gables Look-alike Contest."

The annual international contest is held on the grounds and in the buildings where the films "Anne of Green Gables, "Anne of Avonlea" and the television series "Road to Avonlea" were filmed.

It was Rachel’s first time entering the contest which is based on having the "Anne" look and on performance in a formal interview. The Walkers rented a costume for the day and braided Rachel’s hair.

The only American in the contest, Rachel and her family were surprised and thrilled when she was awarded first prize.

"I was nervous when I realized I was the only one from the United States," Rachel said. "But I met a lot of people who were really nice." Amann said the large audience was surprised at the distance Rachel had traveled compared with the many other candidates.

Aside from winning the top prize, which included an Anne of Green Gables doll and video, Rachel said the best part was looking at all the places where the movies were filmed. A freshman at Hilton High School, Rachel is eager to enter the contest again next year. "I like Anne, the books, the movies. I just liked everything about it."