There is no better place for Wisconsin fair enthusiasts to gather then the Wisconsin Association of Fairs annual convention. The 2018 convention took place Jan. 7-10 at the Chula Vista Resort in Wisconsin Dells. More than 1,000 Fair and Associate member attend the convention each year. It provides an excellent opportunity to network with fellow fair representatives. The convention also gives attendees the opportunity to participate in and develop their skills in workshops, the trade show, showcases of entertainment, auction, and hospitality.
One of the most exciting aspects of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs annual convention is the selection of the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs. The Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs competition is a three day event that is conducted during the annual fair convention. During the competition the contestants participate in individual and group interviews, county basket auction, self-introductions, a preliminary on-stage event, and the finals at the awards banquet.
This year there were 36 Fairest representatives vying for the 2018 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs title. From this amazing group of fair enthusiasts and leaders, Isabella Haen from Kewaunee County was crowned the 2018 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs.
Isabella Haen, is the daughter of Matt Haen and Coleen Blizel, and the Step-daughter of Lisa Haen and Allen Blizel from Luxemburg, WI. She graduated last spring from Fox Valley Technical College with a degree in Agribusiness and Science Technology. After graduation she took a job as a Heardsman caring for 7,200 animals at Kinnard Farms Incorporated in Casco, WI. Haen, has the ability in her position to work in maternity, and provide healthcare and sanitation for the livestock at the facility. When she is not working as a Heardman Haen pursues her other passion which is fashion. She does this by working part time at The Buckle as a sales consultant.
In the future Haen hopes to pursue a career in agriculture communications and build upon the public speaking skills she has gained through the Fairest of the Fair program. When not busy working Isabella can be found volunteering with Kewuanee 4-H, FFA Alumni, the Saint Mary’s Church, or spending time with horses or running.
As the 2018 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs Isabella will begin her one-year term immediately. Her responsibilities will include making appearances at fairs throughout the state, working with media and promoting the importance of Wisconsin’s fair and agriculture industries.
Haen will also serve as hostess of the 2017 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by U.S. Cellular. As hostess she will greeting fairgoers and special guests, perform as master of ceremonies for several events during the fair, and participate in various contests and represent the fair during select media appearances.
When asked what she looks forward to most for her year as Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs Haen said,
“I am so excited to travel the state of Wisconsin and continue to spread the story of agriculture and the Wisconsin fair industry to the many fair attendees.”
Haen, was joined by many amazing candidates during this year’s competition.
2018 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair Top Ten Candidates Include:
2nd Place: Sheboygan County-Ashley Miller
3rd Place: Walworth County- Madison Stronach
4th Place: Kenosha County- Michelle Knapp
5th Place: St. Croix County–Kaitlin Konder
Remaining Top Ten Candidates in No Specific Order:
Fond Du Lac County– Kati Kindschuch
Polk County– Sarah Carufel
Waupaca County- Sydney Brooks
Racine County- Sarah Eulgen
Iowa County- Kara Hutter
Make sure you look for Isabella Haen the 2018 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs traveling around the state visiting many of the 76 state aided county and district fairs. Also don’t forget to look for her at the 2018 Wisconsin State Fair Aug. 2-12.
For more information on the 2018 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, the Fairest of the Fair program, or the Wisconsin Association of Fairs visit, https://www.wifairs.com