This year, four local women are running for the title of 2012 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair. The applicants have recently finished their first round of interviews at the annual Dodge County Fair Press Banquet on July 9, 2012 held at Bayside Supper Club. At this event the women took part in individual and group interviews as well as presented their commercials for the 125th Dodge County Fair, August 15-19.

The 2011 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair, Brianna Rhodes, met with contestants at the interview and spoke at the banquet. Rhodes is enrolled at Moraine Park Technical College in the Medical Assistant Program. “I am so honored to be the Dodge County Fairest of the Fair. It is an amazing opportunity that has helped me in the process of deciding who I want to be as a person, and grow in the confidence that I can be that person.” Rhodes is excited for fair season to begin. “The fair is a great chance to see that talent of the people of Dodge County; the hard work and pride that the children of our community put into their projects is amazing!”

Applicants competing for the Fairest of the Fair title this year include:

Mikaela Higgins, Horicon

Higgins, 19, is the daughter of Nannette Higgins of Horicon. She attends UW Oshkosh majoring in Communications and hopes to become involved in a sports program through broadcast journalism. Higgins was the 2010 Horicon Marsh Queen and recently ran for the 2011 Miss Teen USA Wisconsin. She was highly involved in high school and continues to be involved in college organizations such as the Business Success Center, softball and volleyball intramurals, Reeve union board, Homecoming Committee and more.

Emma Karst, Burnett

Karst, 23, is the daughter of Don and Lisa Karst of Burnett. Karst will be attending Globe University Madison in the fall of 2012 in the Veterinary Technician program. She received her Associates Degree from UW Fond du Lac and looks forward to continuing her schooling. Karst enjoys taking care of her pets, drawing, and being outdoors. In high school, Karst was active in SWAZZ, soccer, and FFA, where she was a member of the Wisconsin State FFA Honors Chorus and was nominated for the National FFA Choir.

Steffani Koch, Mayville

Koch, 21, is the daughter of Frank and Debra Koch of Mayville. In the fall of 2012, Koch will be attending UW Madison after transferring from UW River Falls to complete her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. She hopes to practice veterinary medicine focusing on the dairy industry. Koch enjoys exhibiting dairy cattle at state and international shows, playing volleyball, traveling, and singing. She is an alumna of Mayville FFA, and participated in the UWRF Dairy Club, Pre-vet club, and Chancellor’s Student Ambassadors.

Gabrielle Schumacher, Beaver Dam

Schumacher, 18, is the daughter of Jean Schumacher of Beaver Dam. She attends UW Platteville seeking her degree in Animal Science and hoping to complete veterinary school at UW Madison. Schumacher enjoys horseback riding, playing her trombone, and spending time with her family and friends. Schumacher is a recipient of the FFA Greenhand Degree, Outstanding Freshman Award, and Supervised Agriculture Experience Award.

Judging the Dodge County Fairest of the Fair competition this year are:

Richard Griep, of Beaver Dam. Griep is a financial advisor with Edward Jones. This is his first time judging the Fairest of the Fair competition and the committee is happy to have him join the judging team.

Christine Lindner, from Fall River. You may recognize Christine as the 63rd Alice in Dairyland. Lindner is a returning judge this year for the Dodge County Fairest of the Fair program.

Karen Gibson, from Juneau. Gibson serves as the Dodge County Clerk and has judged previous Dodge County Fairest of the Fair competitions. The Fairest of the Fair committee welcomes her back to the program.

Final interviews and the crowning of the 2012 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair will take place at the Fair on August 15 at 5:00PM and will be broadcast live on WTKM Radio.