Three women are competing for the opportunity to represent the 2015 Dodge County Fair.
Allison Schulz, Iron Ridge; Karoline Twardokus, Mayville; and Raelyn Woock, Burnett, completed the first round of interviews during the annual Dodge County Fair Press Banquet on Monday. They introduced themselves to members of the fair board, press and guests and presented their commercials for the 128th Dodge County Fair, Aug. 19 to 23.
The 2014 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair, Carrie Warmka, met with contestants and spoke during the banquet. Warmka recently graduated from UW-Madison with a degree in dairy science and works as a nutritionist at United Cooperative.
“Holy cow, this year has flown by,” Warmka said. “I would not give this experience up for anything.”
She said she learned a lot and got to meet a lot of people.
“I’m excited to pass this opportunity on,” Warmka said.
Also in attendance was Deanna Schlies, the 2015 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair, who is originally from Brown County. She said she became involved in the State Fair while performing with the FFA choir. She said she has a passion for agriculture and her main goal is to educate kids about the industry.
“It is important to educate the urban kids so they know where their food comes from,” Schlies said.
She said she was impressed by the entertainment line-up for the Dodge County Fair and spoke about the upcoming Wisconsin State Fair.
“I’m really excited to be able to give back to the fair community,” Schlies said.
Allison Schulz of Iron Ridge WI
Schulz, 20, the daughter of Douglas and Rebecca Schulz of Iron Ridge, attends Kansas State University pursuing a degree in animal science. While in college, Schulz stays active in Block and Bridle, Alpha of Clovia and Academic Quadrethelon. She enjoys showing beef cattle, sewing, baking, photography and spending time with family and friends. Schulz graduated from Winnebago Lutheran Academy in Fond du Lac and said she chose KSU due to its proximity to the beef industry. She recently served as an ambassador for the 2015 Junior National Hereford Expo in Nebraska.
Karoline Twardokus of Iron Ridge WI
Twardokus, 20, the daughter of Dale and Kathy Twardokus of Mayville, attends UW-Platteville pursuing a degree in animal science with a dairy emphasis. She is active in the Pioneer Dairy Club, Sigma Alpha (a professional agricultural sorority) and Wilgus Hall Council. Twardokus enjoys showing, raising and working with dairy cattle. She said she grew up on a dairy farm and graduated from Hartford Union High School, where she served as president of the FFA chapter.
Raelyn Woock of Burnett WI
Woock, 21, the daughter of Randy and Rose Woock of Burnett, attends Silver Lake College seeking a degree in biology with a minor in business management. She serves as co-captain of the Silver Lake College women’s basketball team and enjoys working with youths, showing animals, and being involved in the community through 4-H, FFA and school.
Judges for the 32nd Dodge County Fairest of the Fair include Sandra Budewitz, Watertown, the owner of Sandra D’s Bridal Boutique Shoppe; Jim Mielke, Beaver Dam, county administrator for Dodge County; and Christine Lindner, Fall River, who works at Alsum Farms & Produce and served as the 63rd Alice in Dairyland in 2010.
Final interviews and crowning of the 2015 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair will take place at 5 p.m. on Aug. 19 at the fair on the WKTM stage.
Story by Amanda Lutey of the Daily Citizen
