Wisconsin Fairs and Gab

Countyfairgrounds, USA - adds e-book sales

2007-02-13T18:25:00.000-08:00

If You Love County Fairs these E-Books will be of Interest to YOU!

Countyfairgrounds, USA recently added e-book sales. Featured currently are e-books on cooking. If you go to county fairs and exhibit these e-books will be of interest to you. There are also e-books for children. More e-books will come. Currently, featured is the following:

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COUNTY FAIRS NEED YOUR HELP

2006-06-13T10:29:00.000-07:00

By HARRY A. NIENABAR

Fitchburg, Wis.Wisconsin fairs have a rich tradition of providing opportunities foryouths to bring projects where they compete for premiums, ribbons andawards. These 4-H and FFA youths spend many hours learning, building,grooming and training to exhibit the best project they can.State aid to fairs has been in place on a continuous basis since 1856.As recently as 1998, it amounted to $650,000. State aid has been reducedfor the past seven years and now stands at $250,000. This aid (far lessthan what is paid out in premiums) is distributed to 77 fairs based onthe amount of junior fair premiums paid. There is zero state aid foropen-class premiums. Many smaller fairs have reduced or eliminatedopen-class premiums. Others have had to postpone needed maintenance orimprovement projects.The educational and emotional value youths gain from their involvementin 4-H, FFA and other clubs and organizations that exhibit at the fairis huge. Many new 4-H clubs are now in metropolitan areas. It is notjust rural youths anymore.To put it in proper perspective, the state spends about $60,000 to houseand correct one juvenile delinquent. Doesn't it make sense to restorestate aid to $650,000 (1998 levels) to help fairs provide theopportunities to get and keep youths involved in an excellenteducational family event?Fairs need your help. Please write your elected government officials andask them to restore state aid to fairs.

Fairest of the FairOn-Line Travelogue with Kim Schoessow

2006-06-13T10:40:00.000-07:00

By: Kim Schoessow, Fairest of the Fair - 06/01/2006

Greetings from the Wisconsin State Fair and welcome to the 2006 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs Online Journal! My name is Kimberly Schoessow, and I am proudly representing Wisconsin's 76 County, District, and State Fairs as the 40th Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs. As the Wisconsin Association of Fairs and Wisconsin State Fair representative, I am excited to share my experiences as I travel around the state this summer promoting the many opportunities our Fairs have to offer.

I grew up on a 50-cow dairy farm in Mequon where I was actively involved in the Ozaukee County 4-H program. I am a 2006 graduate of the University of Wisconsin - River Falls where I obtained a degree in Marketing Communications with an Agriculture emphasis and an Animal Science minor. I am excited about promoting the Fair Industry and hope that everyone can "Experience" a Fair or two, or more, this year.

This posting would not be possible without the generous support of Pat Sternitzky of www.wisconsinagconnection.com. If you see him at a Fair, please say 'Thanks!'

My amazing experience began on January 11, 2006 at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in Green Bay where I was selected as the 40th Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs among a field of 30 very talented contestants. I stayed very busy during my final semester at school and attended various events as Fairest, including the Ozaukee County 4-H Dance and 4-H Variety Show, the Wauwatosa St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Freistadt Heritage Fundraiser, the Governor's Egg Hunt, and the Calumet County Fairest of the Fair coronation. My adventures officially began on May 16th when I started work at Wisconsin State Fair Park.

May 16, 2006 - My first day at work!

May 17, 2006 - It was such a pleasure to have the 59th Alice in Dairyland Finals in Ozaukee County. I know many of the committee members and I know they all worked very hard to pull off the three day interview process. Tonight was a small dinner at Alpine Village in Mequon with the contestants, selection panel, some committee members, as well as Mr. Ozaukee 4-H (my brother, Matt!), and myself.

May 18, 2006 - Tonight was another Alice in Dairyland event! I attended the Hog Roast and Impromptu Question and Answer session at the American Legion Hall in Saukville. It gave members of the community an opportunity to meet all six contestants.

May 19, 2006 - The Alice in Dairyland Finale in Port Washington was a real treat! After a delicious meal and several presentations, Nicole Reese was selected as the 59th Alice in Dairyland. Congratulations Nicole and each of the finalists, what a huge accomplishment!

May 24, 2006 - It was fun to see some familiar faces at the Manitowoc County Fairest of the Fair competition in Manitowoc tonight. I had a great time meeting the contestants and helping Eliza Ulness crown Rachel Herrmann as the 2006 Manitowoc County Fairest of the Fair. Congratulations Rachel!

May 27, 2006 - This morning I had the privilege of meeting the community of Adams County in Friendship at their 19th Annual Dairy Breakfast. It was my first Dairy Breakfast as Wisconsin's Fairest of the Fairs and I truly enjoyed every minute! A special thanks goes out to Carol and Bud for allowing me to stay at their house and tour the Wisconsin River Co-op!

May 29, 2006 - This morning I was in the Saukville Memorial Day Parade where I had the honor of being driven by my Grandpa, a Korean veteran. I also sat on the center stage during the program and listened to some very inspiring words from local veterans and current military officers. I received a warm introduction and certificate for my participation.

Please look for me in June at the following events!
June 3rd - Jefferson County Dairy Breakfast
June 3rd - Cows on the Concourse in Madison
June 10th - Wisconsin Welcome Center in Kenosha
June 11th - Flag Day Parade in Waubeka
June 14th - Wisconsin State FFA Convention in Madison
June 15th - West Allis Western Days Parade
June 17th and 18th - Watertown Agri-Business Club 'Breakfast on the Farm'
June 19th - Winnebago County Fairest of the Fair Coronation in Oshkosh
June 22nd - Elroy Fair
June 24th - Ozaukee County Breakfast on the Farm in Belgium
June 25th - Pommerntag in Mequon
June 26th - Sheboygan County Fairest of the Fair Gala in Johnsonville
June 30th - Wisconsin Welcome Center in Beloit
July 1st - Family Fun Before the 4th Parade in Mequon
July 2nd - 4th of July Parade in Grafton

Colfax Fair Celebrates 87 Years

2006-06-14T15:32:00.000-07:00

By Kobi Shaw
Correspondent
Wisconsin has a long-standing tradition of county fairs. For some, asummer isn't complete without the crunch of fried cheese curds or thedizzy vertigo of a Tilt-a-Whirl. Many people enjoy a fair's familiarity, knowing what to expect,anticipating their favorite foods or rides from year to year. But justhow much do fairs change over the course of time? Colfax native Julian Logslett has seen many changes in the course of hisinvolvement with the Colfax Free Fair. Logslett is in his 60th yearworking on the fair, but his involvement began years earlier as afairgoer. If anyone knows the 87-year history of the Colfax Free Fair,Logslett would be the one.He explained that the Colfax Free Fair is known as one of the earliestevents of the season, taking place during the third week of June andrunning for four days. When the fair debuted in 1919, however, it actually took place inSeptember as a one-day event held in the basement of the ColfaxMunicipal Building. Sponsored by the Colfax Civic League, the fair wasn't completely free in1919. Fairgoers were charged 10 cents to view the best of communitycrops and arts and crafts. The next year, more crop displays were addedand the fair took to the streets of Colfax.Around 1921, the Colfax Fair Park was built and still serves as thecurrent site of the Colfax Free Fair. Besides its new location, theaddition of livestock was another major change for the fair that year. By 1938, the fair had expanded to four days. One of its biggest drawswas a raffle for a free car. Tickets cost 25 cents and so many peoplesurrounded the car, "you couldn't get near it," fairgoer Logslettremembers.The American Legion took over sponsorship of the fair in 1945. Soonafter, Logslett became involved behind the scenes. He remembers stageshows became a draw for the fair around this time. Magicians, trapezeacts and high wire walkers provided entertainment until the expense gotto be too great. Eventually, the availability of television made people less interestedin live entertainment. Professional entertainers from far away began tobe phased out, and local talent was utilized instead. Stormy weather1958 brought tragedy to not just the Colfax Free Fair, but to thevillage as a whole. An F-5 tornado roared through the town, killing andinjuring residents as well as devastating numerous buildings and homes.At the fairgrounds, all five permanent buildings were leveled. "Not a thing was left standing," remembers Logslett. The June 4 tornadostruck just weeks before the Colfax Free Fair was scheduled to open, butresidents would not be deterred. A circus tent was erected for the mainpavilion and the fair went on as planned.For the next two years, tents continued to house the exhibits. Then anew permanent building was erected every year until the rebuildingproject was complete. Entertainment slowly found its way back to the fair. Over the years,Colfax has hosted regional acts such as The Chmielewski Brothers and TheHaeger Brothers of Hee-Haw fame.Less successful events over the years have included a chicken flyingcontest and a chicken dropping contest. For the flying contest, chickenswere placed in a mailbox and plungers were used to push them out. Logslett remembers that most of the chickens didn't go very far, but anoccasional one would fly all the way over the railroad tracks across thestreet. The chicken contests lasted about a year.About 10 years ago, fireworks were added to the fair, traditionallyscheduled on Friday night. They are put on by A&P Enterprises, afamily-run business, which also provides the midway carnival.Last summer, the city of Colfax added a new playground to thefairgrounds, which is utilized during the fair dates and beyond.Rain or shineLogslett claims people show up rain or shine for the Colfax Free Fair,and sometimes they come from all over the country, even from as far awayas California. Class reunions are scheduled around fair time so Colfaxalumni can experience the fair, too. Asked what the biggest draw is, besides the entertainment and cheesecurds, Logslett will tell you emphatically, "It's free!" This year, the Colfax Free Fair runs from June 22 through June 25.Musical acts such as H.G.T Band, Jim Herrick and Friends, The Contendersfrom Menomonie and Boogie Junction from Eau Claire will provideentertainment. Fireworks are scheduled for Friday night at 10 a.m. asusual.

Fairest of the FairOn-Line Travelogue with Kim Schoessow

2006-07-10T19:54:00.000-07:00

By: Kim Schoessow,
Fairest of the Fair - 07/07/2006

Greetings from the 2006 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs! Well, Fair Season is officially underway and I'm so excited for what the rest of the summer has in store. I have truly enjoyed every minute of my job so far and I can't wait for what other activities I'll be participating in later this summer. As a recent college graduate, I am frequently asked what I'd like to do when I grow up and have to get a "real job." I always say, I'd want to be Wisconsin's Fairest of the Fairs for the rest of my life! I've met so many great people throughout the state and my summer isn't even half over yet. Here is what I've been up to this past month:
June 3, 2006 - This morning I was at the Jefferson County Dairy Breakfast bright and early to meet with their Fairest of the Fair contestants. After enjoying a great breakfast, I spoke on what I do as the 40th Fairest of the Fairs, and even got to flip pancakes with Nicole Reese, the 59th Alice in Dairyland. It was so much fun!
Then I was off to Madison for Cows on the Concourse and Cow Parade. This was my first Cows on the Concourse experience, and I had a blast! I served as the Emcee while my good friends, the Soggy Prairie Boys, took a break. The crowd really enjoyed their music and I was happy to help promote the dairy industry as well as put a plug or two in for the Wisconsin State Fair. I even participated in my first Cream Puff Eating Contest of the year. It was so much fun, and the cream puffs were so good! The cows will be on parade until October, so be sure to check them out if you'll be in the Madison area. They're all so beautiful; each artist did a fantastic job!
June 6, 2006 - Today I drove out to Deforest to speak on behalf of the Wisconsin Dairy and Fair Industries at the Deforest Area Community and Senior Center. This was a great experience; the audience was very attentive and asked a lot of questions. They were so sweet! Thank you to Sue, the Activity Coordinator, for asking me to speak.
June 10, 2006 - This morning I drove down to Pleasant Prairie in Kenosha County and spent the day visiting with travelers as they stopped in at the Wisconsin Travel Information Center. I had a ton of fun scooping out ice cream to help promote June Dairy Month and the Wisconsin State Fair. Thanks to Erika for all her help with the ice cream. Our hands were really sticky at the end of the day, but it was fun to promote the Fair to those that had never Experienced It. Thank you John for inviting me out!
June 11, 2006 - Today I was able to participate in the Flag Day celebrations in Waubeka, the birthplace of Flag Day! There was a special program to honor and recognize the Korean veterans and I was able to thank them for all their sacrifices to keep us free. I was also honored to receive a plaque from the National Flag Day Foundation, thank you again. I participated in the parade later that day with Gus Gnorski from Fox 6 and Congressman Jim Sensenbrenner (5th District), which was a lot of fun. Thanks guys!
June 12, 2006 - Today was the Wisconsin State Fair Park Foundation's 3rd annual Golf-On-A-Stick golf outing at Western Lakes Golf Club in Pewaukee. I had a lot of fun taking pictures with the winning teams and I was able to meet a lot of the Wisconsin State Fair sponsors and vendors that will be at the Fair. I can't wait to see them again. Thank you to all the sponsors and individuals that helped to raise money for the Wisconsin State Fair Foundation's Youth Programming and Facility Development Efforts. It is greatly appreciated!
June 14, 2006 - I woke up early this morning to travel to Madison for the State FFA Convention. After giving a short presentation, I spent the day with my good friend Angie meeting with FFA members, and watching my cousin Tracy receive her State Degree. It was great to see a lot of friends from UW-River Falls too! FFA was not offered at my school so the convention was a great learning experience for me. Thank you to Katie for inviting me to speak!
June 15, 2006 - Tonight I put on my cowboy boots for the West Allis Western Days Parade! This was such a unique experience because the entire parade was horse drawn carriages and wagons. I had a lot of fun! Thanks to Megan and her Grandfather for the use of their horses and carriage.
June 17, 2006 - I spent this weekend in Watertown at their Agri-Business Club's ?Breakfast on the Farm?. I had a great time visiting with guests, the Cow Parade "Moo Crew", and of course, Mrs. Nicole Reuse, the 59th Alice in Dairyland!
June 18, 2006 - This morning at the Watertown Breakfast, I helped the club auction off flats of fresh strawberries. All of the money raised at this weekend's breakfast goes towards scholarships for youth. This year, one flat of strawberries sold for a record $100. Thank you to all of those who bid and bought these delicious berries. On my way back home, I stopped in at Father's Day on the Farm at the Fryda Family Jersey Dairy Farm in Sussex. This was a fantastic afternoon! There was a live polka band, plenty of animals to see and touch, WTKM radio was broadcasting live, and of course, there was cheese and ice cream to enjoy! We didn't let the rain damper any of our fun there was plenty of dancing going on. Thank you to the Fryda family for generously opening their farm to those that do not get to experience farm life living in the city. I know everyone was very appreciative.
June 19, 2006 - Tonight was a special night for the Fair Board and Fairgoers of Winnebago County as their 2006 Fairest of the Fair was selected. I traveled up to Oshkosh for the Fairest Coronation and watched as Karen Giddings was selected as the new Fairest of the Fair. I was able to chat with each of the contestants and I know the judges had an extremely hard decision to make; all four contestants were very qualified. Congratulations to each of the ladies on a terrific job!
June 22, 2006 - My first FAIR of the summer! Today was the start of the Elroy Fair and I drove out to Elroy for the Fairest of the Fair competition and stayed to enjoy some Fair Fun. After Tiffany Davis was selected as the Elroy Fairest of the Fair, we were able to enjoy the bull riding with the best seats in the house! I was able to personally thank Tom for his generosity in donating my GPS and wish him a Happy Birthday! This was such a fun fair and I enjoyed every minute.
June 24, 2006 - This morning I was up bright and early for my last Dairy Breakfast of the summer! The Ozaukee County Breakfast on the Farm was at the Keith "Skip" & Micca Schueller Farm in Belgium. It was great to be back in my home county to visit with friends and family. The food was delicious, the turnout of farm visitors was amazing, and the farm tour was very interesting. I was able to take a tour and learn about their manure digester. Thank you to all the volunteers at every Dairy Breakfast this year!
June 25, 2006 - This afternoon I attended Pommerntag at the Mequon City Park in my hometown of Mequon. I've been attending this event since I was a little dancer in the Pommersche Tanzdeel Freistadt, a German dance group. I was able to speak at the opening ceremony and invited everyone to attend both the Ozaukee County Fair and the Wisconsin State Fair. After watching the dance groups perform in their traditional ethnic dress, and listening to the Alte Komeraden Band I sunk my teeth into a delicious brat! Yum!
June 26, 2006 - The Sheboygan County Fairest of the Fair Gala was a big event and the committee did an amazing job! All five contestants did a fantastic job presenting their radio spots and answering an impromptu question in front of the large crowd. As the judges made their decision, the audience enjoyed listening to classical music presented by some local youth. Then it was announced that Nicole Beimling will represent Sheboygan County for the next year. Congratulations!
June 29, 2006 - I finally got to pick up my sponsor vehicle today! Wave as I drive down the highways and byways of Wisconsin in my 2006 Chevrolet HHR! Thank you Braeger Chevrolet!
June 30, 2006 - The Wisconsin Welcome Center in Beloit was so much fun! Thank you to Kevin for coming along with me as Cravin D. Creampuff. Everyone enjoyed his presence. A special thanks to Joelyn for inviting me out to the Wisconsin Travel Information Center; I was able to promote the Wisconsin State Fair as visitors came through, and I left the Wisconsin State Fair mark on many kids with temporary State Fair tattoos. I even tattooed a couple of adults! You could say I'm now a skilled tattoo artist, but that's gonna have to wait as Fair season swings into full gear within the next couple of weeks!
Here is where you can find me next month:
July 1: Grand Marshal for the Family Fun Before the Fourth Parade in Mequon
July 2: 4th of July Parades in Grafton and West Allis
July 4: Parades at Humboldt Park, in Greenfield, Freistadt, and Hales Corners
July 6: Stoughton Junior Fair
July 7: Lafayette County Fair in Darlington
July 8: Farmer Appreciation Parade in Dodgeville Lodi Agricultural Fair
July 9: Listen for me on WOKY AM920
July 10: Dodge County Fair Press Banquet in Beaver Dam
July 11 - 12: MEDIA BLITZ
July 12: Jefferson County Fairest of the Fair Competition in Jefferson
July 13: Farm Technology Days in Oostburg Outagamie County Fair in Seymour
July 14: Jefferson County Fair in Jefferson
July 15: Fish Day Parade in Port Washington
July 16: Sauk County Fair & Fairest of the Fair Competition in Baraboo
July 19: Fond du Lac County Fair & Fairest of the Fair Competition
July 20: St. Croix County Fair in Glenwood City Trempealeau County Fair & Fairest of the Fair Competition in Galesville
July 21: Barron County Fair & Fairest of the Fair Crowning in Rice Lake
July 22: Dane County Fair in Madison Green County Fair in Monroe
July 23: Blake's Prairie Junior Fair in Bloomington Waukesha County Fair
July 25: Washington County Fair & Fairest of the Fair Competition in West Bend
July 26: Rock County Fair Columbia County Fair
July 27: Monroe County Fair in Tomah
July 28: Polk County Fair
July 29: Langlande County Fair
July 30: Racine County Fair
August 3 - 13: WISCONSIN STATE FAIR!!!!!

Fairest of the Fair On-Line Travelogue with Kim Schoessow

2006-08-03T15:54:00.000-07:00

By: Kim Schoessow, Fairest of the Fair - 08/02/2006

Greetings from the Wisconsin Association of Fairs and the Wisconsin State Fair! It's time for my third online journal of the summer! This past month has just flown by and it's hard to believe the Wisconsin State Fair is already here! It has been such an experience to meet so many of the individuals involved with the Fair Industry, I truly appreciate all the support and excitement they have for what the Fairs offer. Their enthusiasm is shown through the successful Fairs throughout Wisconsin every year.

Here is the passion I have experienced this month:

July 1, 2006 - The Family Fun Before the 4th Parade in downtown Thiensville is always the first 4th of July parade in Ozaukee County and I was honored to be the Grand Marshal! This was so much fun, and I was able to ride in a classic Chevy Caprice. Thanks to Anne and Jim for driving their very cool car!

July 2, 2006 - I continued with the 4th of July Parades as I participated in both the Grafton and West Allis parades. I was color coordinated at the West Allis parade as I rode along in a red Corvette! Thank you Mary Kay for driving!

July 4, 2006 - Today was my busiest day of the summer so far with a total of 4 parades! I started my morning down at Humboldt Park on the south side of Milwaukee where I rode in a gorgeous blue Corvette thanks to Jim and Kate and the rest of the very enthusiastic Corvette Club. We had so much fun. My next stop was Glendale where I rode in a cute little VW Beetle, and then it was off to my 'hometown' parade in Freistadt! At the church picnic there is a very short (1 block) parade and I have either been in the parade or watched it every year for as long as I can remember. This year, I rode on top of my HHR as my friend Lisa drove. It was a lot of fun. Thanks Lisa! After being able to enjoy my 4th, and a brat, at the church picnic I drove down to Hales Corners for the final parade of the day. This was a long parade and everyone was having a good time, so it made the parade even more fun!

July 6, 2006 - This afternoon I traveled to Stoughton for the Stoughton Fair with my friend Jennifer. We had a good time walking around this small fair watching and speaking at various judging events, and looking at all the creative projects. Thanks to Gary for walking around with us and showing us this great fair! We drove to Madison and stayed with my friend Leah instead of driving all the way back to Ozaukee County. Thanks Leah!

July 7, 2006 - Jennifer and I were on the road again to Darlington for the Lafayette County Fair. I helped hand out ribbons and Jennifer helped record exhibitor placings. We had a lot of fun and we were able to stay and eat dinner with Aaron Tippin and his two sons. They were sooo cute! We met up with both the 2006 and 2007 Fairest of the Fair Amy and Allison and the four of us had our picture taken with Aaron. Amy, Allison, and I were introduced on stage and I was able to say a few words in front of the large crowd. Jennifer and I stayed for his concert; he put on a great show! Thank you to the Lafayette County Fair Board for inviting me out to experience their terrific fair!

July 8, 2006 - The Lodi Agricultural Fair is like no other fair I have ever experienced to this point. The support and pride the community has for this fair is truly special and unique. Jennifer and I had the privilege of touring the fair with their Fair Board President and current Fairest of the Fair. We were able to take a sneak peak at an old school house the fair had moved and restored; the grand opening took place on July 9th. We stayed for the pie auction and then hit the road for home!

July 10, 2006 - The Dodge County Fair Press Banquet was a unique experience for me because not only did they have preliminary interviews for the Fairest of the Fair selection, but they also held the banquet to inform media of what's new at the fair as well as improvements being made. They were also given packets of information about the fair to use as a resource for stories, etc. This event made me really excited to go back to Dodge County for the fair! I had a lot of fun visiting with each of the contestants and with Leslie, 2005 Dodge County Fairest.

July 11 and 12, 2006 - Media Blitz! This was a fun two days because I was able to help deliver Wisconsin State Fair Cream Puffs to the businesses, sponsors, and elected officials that support the Fair. Thank you so much and I hope you enjoyed them! On the evening of July 12th I also stopped in at the Jefferson County Fair to watch as Ashley Weissmann was crowned the 2006 Jefferson County Fair. Congratulations!

July 13, 2006 - Today was the last day of Farm Technology Days and I was able to emcee the Family Living Tent this morning as well as giving a brief presentation on the Wisconsin State Fair as well as the surrounding county fairs. I was able to walk around a bit and see the grounds; congratulations to the committee for a fantastic show! The Outagamie County Fair was also celebrating 122 years of their fair so I drove up to Seymour to see their fair. I met so many nice people including Trace Adkins! Thank you so much to all the fair board members and volunteers, I had such a terrific time at the fair!

July 14, 2006 - This afternoon I drove down to the Jefferson County Fair to spend more time at their fair and with the Fair Royalty. We had a lot of fun handing out ribbons at the dairy show and trying our hand (literally!) at milking goats in the goat milking contest. Considering I?ve milked cows all my life I thought this would be easy, boy was I wrong! We finished the night at the Sawyer Brown concert, thanks for a great time ladies!

July 15, 2006 - Port Washington is host to the World's Largest One Day Outdoor Fish Fry and I was eager to join in on the fun. Port Fish Day starts out with one of the largest parades around; despite the heat, there was a terrific turnout. The day is filled with music, fish and chips, and finishes off with a tremendous fireworks display!

July 16, 2006 - The Sauk County Fairest of the Fair competition was held on the Sunday of their fair this year and I was excited to spend the day with all seven of their contestants. After interviews and an awesome lunch at the Java Cafe in Baraboo, we took a limo ride around Devil's Lake and arrived at the Sauk County Fair in style! Not only did we arrive in a limo, but the red carpet was rolled out for us as we entered the fair office!!! At the final part of the competition Amanda (a future UW-RF student!) was announced as the new Sauk County Fairest of the Fair! Congratulations to all the contestants!

July 19, 2006 - The Fond du Lac County Fair was fun for me because my cousins show there. After visiting with my family, Sarah Galdi, 2005 Fond du Lac Fairest showed me around the fair and we attended the Livestock Sale and went to the grandstand for the selection of the 2006 Fairest. Courtney Pfaull was selected and the three of us went backstage to meet Terri Clark!

July 20, 2006 - Today starts a long weekend of driving! I started at the St. Croix County Fair where I ate lunch with some of their fair board members and saw the fair with Laura, 2005 Fairest. I also met Kim, their only 2006 Fairest Contestant. She'll do a fantastic job, congratulations! That afternoon I drove down to Trempealeau County for their Fair Ambassador selection. Their program is run a little differently than others. After serving a successful year as a Fair Ambassador they attend the WAF Convention in January. I think Chelsea will do a fantastic job, congratulations on a great year!

July 21, 2006 - This morning I drove up to the Lincoln 4-H Fair in Merrill. There hasn't been a State Fairest at this fair in over five years, so it was great that I could experience this fair. The exhibits were so good, thanks to Amanda for showing me around. The Barron County Fair was especially fun for me because I was able to meet up with my close friend Angie, and I got to spend the evening with Emily, 2005 Fairest. After Stacy was selected as the new Fairest, we went to the grandstand to help introduce the Truck Pull, and Emily sang the Star Spangled Banner; she has a fantastic voice!

July 22, 2006 - At the Dane County Fair I helped hand out ribbons at the horse show and spoke at the Small Animal Auction. I drove down to the Green County Fair in Monroe and saw many of the wonderful exhibits. I helped to introduce Sammy Kershaw as I welcomed the crowd and invited them to the Wisconsin State Fair, August 3-13!

July 23, 2006 - The Blake's Prairie Fair is a cute little hometown fair in Bloomington, and I had a fantastic morning with their Fair Queen, Ashley. Thanks for a great tour! They also have a Fair Parade that I was able to participate in. I had so much fun! That afternoon, I drove over to the Waukesha County Fair where I met with their 2006 Waukesha County Fairest of the Fair, Lizzie. We introduced some of the entertainment including George Thorogood and the Destroyers! We were also able to judge the Pie Eating Contest, and believe it or not, someone actually finished an entire pie! I know I wouldn?t be able to eat an entire pie like that!

July 25, 2006 - I started another week-long road trip again today by visiting the Washington County Fair near Jackson. I've always visited this fair at least once a year, so it was nice to visit as the State Fairest. Their Fairest of the Fair selection was broadcast live on WKTM (the radio and website) as well as on the local cable TV channel. Abigail Naumann was selected as the new Fairest; she'll do an excellent job, congratulations!

July 26, 2006 - Today I was in Janesville for the Rock County Fair where I was able to help hand out ribbons with Ashley, the 2006 Fair Queen, at the lamb and swine shows. After getting trampled by some pigs, Ashley gave me a tour of their fair and I was able to see their 4-H museum. The fair in Rock County is one of four 4-H fairs left in the state, so the museum is very special for them. I drove up to Portage later this afternoon to visit the Columbia County Fair. I met Lindsay, their Fairest of the Fair, and spent the rest of the day with her. We helped hand out pictures for kids to color for the coloring contest and even colored some pictures ourselves! Both of us received a blue ribbon, woohoo! I ate some blue ice cream that of course ended up on my lap, but I had fun walking around the fair with Lindsay, Thank you!

July 27, 2006 - The Monroe County Fair in Tomah was a small fair, but it was full of enthusiasm by all the volunteers and fair board members. I watched some of the animal shows and saw a couple of the tractors in their Antique Tractor Show. A special thanks to Jim for showing me around the fair, and for the shirt, hat, and ?pullers package.?

July 28, 2006 - I was really looking forward to today's visits; my first stop was in St. Croix Falls for the Polk County Fair. Tasha, my roommate from convention, showed me around the fair and we helped to hand out ribbons at the Kiddy Tractor Pull. Some little girl pulled over 40 feet! Then I hit the road to Superior for the Head of the Lakes Fair. This is the first time a Fairest has ever visited, so I was really excited. Unfortunately, due to the heat and strong storms the horse show was cancelled. So Pat showed me around the fair and then I spent the night with my Aunt, Uncle and Cousins and even 'baptized' my feet in the waters of Lake Superior!

July 29, 2006 - Most of today was spent driving, but I took a break in Antigo at the Langlade County Fair where I helped hand out ribbons and trophies at the Little Britches Show. I stayed to watch the Dress a Calf Contest, which was the highlight of my day! One of the clubs had 'King Kong's Wedding;' they were all dressed up and dressed the calf up as his bride! I also introduced LYVE (Langlade Youth Vocalists and Entertainers) who will be performing at the Wisconsin State Fair, August 3-13!

July 30, 2006 - My friend Danny came with me to the Racine County Fair where we met up with their 2006 Fairest of the Fair, Katie, and her Fair Royalty, Nicole. We attended the Fur and Feather Auction and I watched as the ladies tried to auction off a rabbit and chicken. We also judged the 'Prettiest Demo Car,' and helped at the Pie Auction. We even participated in the Bale Throwing Contest. I threw my bale 12' 6"! Pretty good considering I almost lost my tiara and I was wearing a skirt!

As you can see the past couple of weeks were very hectic, but so much fun! I have been to almost every corner of the state, and I can't wait to continue my tour after the Wisconsin State Fair! Please come over to West Allis for the Wisconsin State Fair and Enjoy the Experience of our 11-days of fun. There is something for everyone at the Fair; come see for yourself, August 3rd-13th.

Here is where I'll be next month:

August 1: Wisconsin Valley Fair in Wausau
August 2: My county fair, the Ozaukee County Fair (Aug. 2-6) in Cedarburg
August 3 - 13: The Wisconsin State Fair in West Allis
August 5: Celebrating my birthday at the State Fair!!!
August 16: Dodge County Fair and Fairest of the Fair finals in Beaver Dam
August 17: Brown County Fair in DePere
August 18: Oconto County Fair in Gilett and the Waushara County Fair in Wautoma
August 19: Fennimore Fun Fest in Fennimore
August 20: Juneau County Fair in Mauston
August 22-23: Manitowoc County Fair in Manitowoc
August 23: Waupaca County Fair in Weyauwega
August 25: Marinette County Fair in Wausaukee and Florence County Fair in Florence
August 26: Grant County Fair in Lancaster
August 30-31: Walworth County Fair in Elkhorn
September 1: Central Wisconsin State Fair in Marshfield
September 2: Iowa County Fair in Mineral Point
September 3: Calumet County Fair in Chilton
September 4: Sheboygan County Fair in Plymouth

I hope to see you at the Fair, thanks for reading!

Wisconsin County and State Fair Info for the public

2006-06-13T10:25:00.000-07:00

Welcome, here we can discuss various aspects of the fairs you attend. There will be lots of articles and information. Why do you go to the fair/ for the carnival? because of the tradition? To see the exhibits? Do you see the goats, pigs, sheep and horses? Do you have a particular interest? Do you like the beer garden? There are lots of activities at the county fair and it is indeed an American tradtion.