St. Croix County Fairgrounds News
A Message from St. Croix County Fairest of the Fair, Shelby Weiske
This past January, I was able to represent St. Croix County at the 2016 Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention where I was able to compete for the title of Wisconsin Fairest of Fairs. Whether it is on the midway, under the entertainment tent, in the barns, or in the 4-H buildings, I was able to witness how much it takes to run a fair. I quickly developed the idea that this process does not occur within the few months approaching the fair but rather all year. My respect for the work and effort that goes into the St. Croix County Fair is beyond words.
Aside from learning about the fair industry, I also had a competition to focus on as well. This year was the 50th anniversary of the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs competition. I was put through a lengthy process of individual and group interviews, impromptu event announcements, dining with the judges, radio announcements, and on-stage questions. I was fortunate enough to be selected as a top-ten semi-finalist.
I find it difficult to summarize my experience during my brief four days all in a short article. How does one write a brief segment in a column on something that impacted them so greatly? Gandhi sums it up perfectly, “Satisfaction lies in effort, not in attainment. Full effort is full victory”. That was what my experience was, full effort with minimal attainment but the feeling of accomplishing so much more.
The entire process of preparing to attend a convention such as this, as well as going through four days filled with learning, creating friendships, and growing as a young adult has shown me that I must take what I learned and apply it to other aspects of life, and this is something every individual should experience. I encourage any young adult who is interested in what our Fairest program has to offer to reach out and ask questions to either myself or our county coordinator. Most importantly, I challenge everyone to get involved in the fair industry; whether it is volunteering at the county level or even at the state fair, find a way to promote your fair. You may also enter into this program as an uncertain young adult but leave as a better version of yourself, one who will be able to use this experience in all areas of their life. If you have any interest in running, please visit to the St. Croix County Fairest of the Fair Facebook page, contact coornidators; Heidi Feyerreisen at 715-977-2365 or Janet Feyereisen at 715-796-5652!
St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo takes 2015 Small Rodeo of the Year Award
St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo takes
2015 Small Rodeo of the Year award
Pictured above from left to right are Sherrie LeMay, Wayne Knutson-Great Lakes Circuit Rodeo President, Dean LeMay-St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo Chair and Lydia Berg-2015 Miss Rodeo Wisconsin. —©Marty Welter / http://www.rodeoflicks.com
LOUISVILLE, KY — On November 14 the Great Lakes Pro Rodeo Circuit held its finals in Louisville at Freedom Hall, with a capacity of 17,000 spectators. It is at this event that the circuit hands out the awards for both the contestants and the rodeo associations.
At this year’s finals the St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo was recognized as the 2015 Small Rodeo of the Year.
The St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo committee is headed by Dean LeMay and meets January through August.
“This award is a huge honor for all of us. The entire committee begins working hard on the next year’s rodeo even before the current one sees its last competitor.” LeMay said. “It wouldn’t be possible with out everyone pitching in and doing their part.”
LeMay also noted that there is always more to do and more help is always welcome.
The Circuit
The Great Lakes Pro Rodeo Circuit is a part of the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) and is a non-profit organization which recognizes the weekend or part-time rodeo cowboy. Contestants can earn this recognition by earning points at PRCA approved rodeos within the circuit.
The Great Lakes Circuit includes the following states: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Ohio, and Wisconsin.
The top twelve contestants in each of eight events are then qualified to compete at the championship rodeo or “the finals”. The Finals for the Great Lakes Circuit have been held in Louisville, KY since 1979 during the North American International Livestock Exposition.
The Award
The Rodeo of the Year award has been given out for the past 10 seasons and there are 4 categories; Large, Medium, Small and Best New Rodeo.
These awards are voted on by the committees, contestants and all members that claim the Great Lakes Circuit as their home circuit. The award is voted on at the end of the season, a week after the last rodeo, usually the second week of October and is very competitive.
St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo
There has been a rodeo in Glenwood City, Wisconsin since 1999 when it was operated by the Glen Hills Chamber of Commerce as a means of earning money for both the Chamber and the fair. It was also a good opportunity to raise exposure for the community and what it offered. In 2006 the chamber decided to not hold one in 2007 due to the decline in revenue. During the one year hiatus the St. Croix County Fair along with the help of Louise Jeske decided to take on the project. Jeske was an integral part of the rodeo when it was run by the chamber.
In 2008 a rodeo committee was formed as part of St. Croix County Fair, Inc. and the first St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo was held June 27 and 28.
Since then the rodeo has been moved to Father’s Day weekend and it has become a great local tradition to attend. Over the past 7 seasons the event has also continued to grow, under the leadership of Dean LeMay, and become a favorite stop for cowboys and spectators alike. This year’s St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo will be held June 17 and 18.
For more information or if you would like to be a part of the St. Croix Valley PRCA Rodeo committee visit http://www.gorodeo.org or call Dean LeMay at 715-977-0626.
