Wisconsin Association of Fairs annual convention

Friday, January 24, 2025 | St. Croix County Fair

St. Croix County Fair represented at Wisconsin Association of Fairs annual convention, win award

By Carole Schurtz
WIS. DELLS — Several members of the St. Croix County Fair Board of Directors recently attended the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention, “A Fair Family Reunion”, January 5-8, 2025 at Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. St. Croix County Fair Board members took advantage of workshops designed to help fairs with administrative responsibilities, DATCP and Agriculture networking, as well as ways to further promote the Fair Industry while enhancing the educational and agricultural opportunities offered to fairgoers at local county fairs.
The Wisconsin Association of Fairs members were well represented as, 70 of 75 Wisconsin State, Districts and County Fairs were represented at the 2025 annual convention January 5-8.Fair Board Members and guests came together in the Dells to network, learn, plan for the upcoming fair season, and pick the new Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs.
Jayme Buttke, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs said, “I was so impressed to see how involved fair board members got at this year’s convention. Ian Hill led three sessions that engaged our members and challenged them to be the ones to make the change in the future of the fair industry. It’s going to be an exciting year for WAF”.
Numerous workshops were well attended throughout convention. Auctions, showcase of entertainment and the trade show were other areas all attendees could network with other Fair and Associate Members.
Along with all the activities for the Fair Board Members, 33 contestants competed for the title of 2025 Wisconsin State Fairest of the Fairs. The contestants went through a series of trainings including proper etiquette, public speaking, professional attire, interview experience, and conversation starters. They hear from a variety of fair experts to learn more about the industry. The contestants also go through individual and group interviews, while being judged on their stage presence and fair knowledge. The winner of this year’s Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs was Megan Salentine from the Kenosha County Fair. She will spend the fair season traveling to the fairs throughout Wisconsin promoting the educational, agricultural, social, cultural, and commercial opportunities available. St. Croix County Fairest of the Fair, Phia Kamm, received the Tim Heffernan Congeniality Award and placed in the top 10 finalists.
This year, Gail Maier president of the St. Croix County Fair, accepted the Best Photo Media Contest Award for their photo in the category Animals at the Fair, submitted by St. Croix County Fair Board member Carole Schurtz.
The convention is filled with learning, laughter, and networking. The members share stories of success and hardships and they support and encourage each other. This group is truly a family who you can often hear saying, ‘Have a great fair day.”
Wisconsin is host to 75 county, district, and state fairs that are held annually from June through September each year. Please join us July 16-20 at the St. Croix County Fair where our theme this year is: “Making Memories Since 1910”.
Visit http://www.stcroixcofair.com or find us on Facebook at St. Croix County Fair Wisconsin for upcoming information on all things Fair related.