Dodge County Fair highlighted, fairest candidates are introduced

Tuesday, July 15, 2008 1:03 PM CDT

BEAVER DAM - Dodge County Fair Board officials reviewed highlights of the upcoming 2008 Dodge County Fair and introduced the 10 candidates for the 2008 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair during the annual press banquet at Beaver Dam Monday night.

This year's fair is scheduled for Aug. 13-17 at the Dodge County Fairgrounds, located on state Highway 33, three miles east of Beaver Dam. Fair officials introduced the lineup of county entertainment and rock musician, youth and open class exhibits, an assortment of on-the-grounds family entertainment as well as the popular demolition derby.

Many of the events planned for last year's fair were canceled or postponed due to inclement weather. Hopefully, the weather will cooperate and the fair activities will go on as scheduled this year.

Ten young women vying for the title of 2008 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair participated in preliminary judging Monday night. Final interviews and the crowning of the new fairest of the fair will take place at 5 p.m. Aug. 13, opening day of the fair.

Fairest of the fair contestants include Cassendra Bauer, Burnett; Amanda Graff, Reeseville; Amanda Hetzel, Rubicon; Melanie Klietz, Beaver Dam; Brittni Marshall, Watertown; Emily McAleavey, Rubicon; Lynn Paszek, Juneau; Kimberly Schmitt, Lowell; Abigail Sielaff, Oconomowoc; and Alyssa Wolfram, Juneau.

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Bauer, 18, is the daughter of Terry and Deb Bauer. She plans to attend Concordia University in the fall to major in biology. Her future goal is to attend medical school and work as a pediatrician or obstetrician gynecologist. Some of her hobbies include tap dancing, jazz dance, playing the piano, and reading. She works at G-G Double Dairies goats.

Graff, 19, is the daughter of Terry and Diane Graff and is pursing a major in social work and legal studies with a certificate in criminal justice at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her goal is to work in child services and government policies. She enjoys scrapbooking, kayaking, playing soccer, skiing and learning new things. Graff works at the YMCA and volunteers at the Marshall Youth Center.

Hetzel, 19, is the daughter of Lawrence and Kathleen Hetzel and will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the fall. Her goal is to become a registered nurse so she can take care of others and give something back to the community. She enjoys horses and practicing the drums and bass clarinet.

Klietz, 20, is the daughter of John and Cindy Klietz. She is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-Whitewaer and is studying human resource management. Her goal is to help individuals who have no work or income to find jobs to better themselves, their family and their communities. She works at Personnel Resources in Beaver Dam.

Marshall, 18, is the daughter of Duwayne and Vicki Marshall. She plans to attend UW-Oshkosh in the fall to study nursing and study abroad in Spain. She enjoys dancing, stamping and spending time with family and friends.

McAleavy, 19, is the daughter of Chuck and Kathy McAleavey. She is a sophomore at UW-Oshkosh pursuing a degree in Spanish education with a minor in music and business. Her future goal is to study abroad in Spain. She enjoys playing percussion, singing, cooking and photography.

Paszek, 18, is the daughter of Dennis and Christine Paszek. She will attend UW-Madison to study journalism and public relations. She was active in high school sports, along with forensics, and band.

Schmitt, 20, is the daughter of Roy and Christine Schmitt. She recently returned from studying abroad in London. Her goal is to move to London and work in the publishing and editing field and become a published author. She is currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay. She enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with her nieces and nephews.

Sielaff, 18, is the daughter of Gary and Mary Sielaff. She will be attending the University of Wisconsin-Waukesha in the fall to receive her prerequisites. She plans to transfer into Madison's poultry program. She enjoys raising poultry, photography and partaking in the local community theater productions.

Wolfram, 18, is the daughter of Ken and Deb Wolfram. She is a sophomore at UW-Oshkosh. She enjoys playing volleyball, reading and collecting bouncy balls.

The newest fairest will succeed 2007 Fairest Katie Rhodes of Beaver Dam. She was first runner-up in the state fairest of the fair competition held in January. She is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse majoring in biology with a concentration in biomedical science and pre-med courses.

“This has been a wonderful experience,” Rhodes told the press gathering. “The fair has always been a big part of my life as I was a 4-H member for 10 years, and it was great to be able to continue being a part of the fair. I was so impressed with the dedication and pride shown at the Dodge County Fair.”

During her reign, Rhodes took part in the fair's futurity show, helped with the children's tractor pull, participated in the cream puff eating contest, and announced the grandstand performers.

“To have 10 participants is a great credit to all of you,” fair board President Jim Schoenike told the audience.

Each contestant recited a commercial promoting the fair.

“The girls covered our program very well,” fair Secretary Sharon Keil said. She reviewed the 2008 schedule fair headliner entertainment. The lineup includes three nights of country music with Jason Aldean on Wednesday night, Miranda Lambert on Thursday night and Craig Morgan on Saturday night. “They are the younger up and coming performers,” Keil said.

Rock star Ted Nugent will return to the fair for a performance on Friday night. Keil recalled about 10 years ago when Nugent performed on the main stage the fair had a power outage and the performer kept the audience calm.

Each will present one show in front of the grandstand, beginning at 8 p .m.

Also on the entertainment schedule are a 4-wheel drive truck pull Sunday morning and the popular demolition derby at 1 p.m. and 6 p.m. Sunday.

Kandu & Co. Magic Show will return along with the Log Hoggers chain saw carvers demonstration and fund-raiser.

Additional entertainment will be available on the WBEV/WXRO Radio Park Stage, the WTKM stage, and at the Oasis Tent.

A & P Carnival Shows will provide the midway.

Despite the economy, admission prices for the fair will remain the same, Keil pointed out. Season tickets are $25 if purchased before Aug. 13 and $30 Aug. 13 and later. Daily admission is $6 before 2 p.m. and $9 after 2 p.m.

Wristbands will be offered at the fair office for those who need to leave and enter the fair. A new ticket is used each day and a different wristband must be obtained each day to re-enter the grounds.