By TERRI PEDERSON Staff Reporter | Beaver Dam Daily Citizen

A 23-year-old Beaver Dam woman was named the Dodge County Fairest of the Fair on Wednesday and began her year-long reign by announcing Josh Turner on stage that night.

Danielle Hammer is the daughter of Charles Hammer and Nancy Kavazanjian, both of Beaver Dam. She is a junior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and is working toward her degree in agricultural business and international relations.

She is currently on the publicity committee for the 2010 Pierce County Wisconsin Farm Technology Days. Hammer has traveled and studies in many countries and her goal is to be an “agvocate” by promoting the practice of agriculture.

Hammer was asked what she could do to encourage other people to participate in 4-H and FFA activities even if they had friends who did not participate in those activities.

“My role is to strive to be an agvocate, which is the combination of agriculture and advocate, by encouraging young women what 4-H and FFA has to offer,” Hammer said.

She admitted that it did not always seem cool but it had benefitted her to be in those programs.

“It shaped my life and my career ambitions,” Hammer said.

Margot Groh, Columbus, was named the runner up in the competition.

Other applicants were Michelle Behl, Watertown; Megan Forbes, Randolph; Brittni Marshall, Watertown; Marissa McDonald, Fox Lake; Jessica Pillsbury, Watertown; Lynn Paszek, Juneau; Erin Strade, Beaver Dam; Vicki Voigt, Juneau; Rebecca Zastrow, Horicon, and Kiersten Zimmerman, Fox Lake.

The 12 applicants were a larger number than usual, but was not a record number of applicants. In 1987, 18 girls contended for the crown.

Hammer succeeded 2009 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair Amanda Hetzel.

“To the fairgoers and fair board, both of which make the fair itself the best experience of all the fairest,” Hetzel said. “Thank you for letting me represent Dodge County. I really appreciate it.”

The Fairest of the Fair represents Dodge County Fair Association at the fair and during parades and other functions during the year. She serves as the official hostess at the fair and participates in promotional programs and media events. She also assists in the planning of next year’s Fairest of the Fair program.

Original article at: Beaver Dam Daily Citizen | wiscnews.com/bdc