“I grew up exhibiting at the Dodge County Fair (Beaver Dam, Wis.). My maiden name is Sielaff, and we dairy farmed in Ashippun. There were five of us kids: four girls and one boy. We were members of County Line 4-H Club, and every last one of us started out with showing in Little Britches. We showed dairy, poultry, and non-animal items.”
“It’s fun. Life’s about learning, and I continue to learn by competing in open class at the Dodge County Fair,” said Becky Cook, Lebanon, Wis.
Cook’s father wasn’t raised in a life dedicated to the fair, so he wanted to make sure his kids had that opportunity growing up. “Although 4-H takes hard work, it really is an easy way to expose your children to a flexible variety of experiences, including commitment.”
Cook says she never really took a break when she switched to open-class exhibiting at the fair. “I aged out of the youth level at 20 years old, and then I continued with open class.” Cook exhibits a large variety of items. “I actually bring more things to the fair, now, as an adult, than I did in my youth. This year, I have sourdough bread, a road-side flower arrangement, high-moisture corn, cookies, muffins, canned goods, and a cheesecake – baking is my passion.” Side by side with other open-class exhibitors, Cook takes down notes from the judge’s comments, so she can learn and improve.
In her adult life, Cook is married to her husband, Colton Cook. She’s the dairy-herd manager at Koepke Farms, Oconomowoc, owner of LaBelle Cheese, Oconomowoc. Cook is just a regular person continuing her passion for Dodge County Fair exhibition. Everyone in Dodge County is invited to participate, too. Watch the Dodge County Fairgrounds website next summer for registration opportunities and start brainstorming ideas.
The Dodge County Fair continues through Sunday, Aug. 18, 2024. Learn more about fair activities at www.dodgecountyfairgrounds.com.
Written by Dori Lichty — farm wife, 4-H Mom, and full-time communicator
