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Elizabeth Widder, age 18, is a graduate of Sheboygan Falls High School and is currently attending Iowa State University where she is studying Agronomy and Genetics. This summer she is an intern for Dow AgroSciences-Plant Breeding Research Station in Arlington, Wisconsin where her duties include sorting and counting seed, planting nurseries, pollinating and taking field notes. Her future goals include graduating from Iowa State University and then attending graduate school for plant breeding. She would also like to return to the university to become a professor and teach agronomy courses and do research that will be instrumental in helping the public understand how food and plants are grown and impact their lives. "It is truly an honor to be chosen as your 2015 Sheboygan County Fairest of the Fair, I am very excited to represent our county fair,” shared Widder in her accepting remarks. “Our county fair is a chance for our community to come together and celebrate Sheboygan County and I couldn't be more excited to serve as Fairest of the Fair. I look forward to what the fair will bring and I am excited to be working with some new programs and events at the fair such as the “new” Agventure tent.” Added Widder. |
The selection panel of Brenda Gilbertson, Hollandale; Janina Siemers, Newton; and Jim Reid, Appleton evaluated the candidates on their application, an individual interview, group interview, an on-stage 30 second self-introduction and a 30 second radio advertisement- impromptu question. In addition, the Gala offered the opportunity for the candidates and public to gain knowledge and hear insight from Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Deanna Schlies who educated the audience of the role fairs play in communities. The 68th Alice in Dairyland, Teyanna Loether, shared the impact agriculture brings to each of the attendees individually as well as economically through our communities, counties and state.The outgoing Fairest of the Fair, Danielle Navis of Cleveland, presented her farewell address which highlighted her year and focused on her gratefulness to the county. “I honestly cannot explain the feeling I had a year ago. It was truly amazing. I think it’s safe to say that I will never forget this life experience. Not only is it permanently stamped on my resume, but it’s permanently stamped on my heart. And to think that it never would have happened if I hadn’t stepped outside of my comfort zone—more like leaped out!” Navis concluded. State Representative Tyler Vorpagel was on-hand to present her with a State of Wisconsin official proclamation for her service.
As the 2015 Fairest of the Fair, Widder received the Barbara A. Siegert Memorial Scholarship of $2,000. “I would like to thank the Sheboygan County Fairest of the Fair committee, our selection team, all of our generous sponsors, my family and friends, teachers and 4-H leaders, and last but not least God for giving me this amazing opportunity to serve Sheboygan County,” concluded Widder.
As the Sheboygan County Fairest of the Fair, Widder will attend as many county-wide events throughout the year as possible, welcoming families to the fair while teaching them about the fair’s benefits to the community, agriculture and youth. She serves as an ambassador for Sheboygan County and strives to increase awareness of the fair through media outlets in and outside of the county.
To schedule an appearance for the 2015 Sheboygan County Fairest of the Fair please contact, Brenda Phipps, Fairest Schedule Coordinator at (920)838-2530. The Fairest of the Fair serves as a spokesperson, ambassador and official hostess for the Sheboygan County Fair, promoting the enormous variety of opportunities - education, social and economic that are all available at the fair. She strives to increase attendance at the Sheboygan County Fair, held Labor Day Weekend, while attending as many community events as possible. |