A custom beaded cowboy hat at the Dodge County Fair represents more than 50 hours of meticulous craft—it tells the story of culture, leadership, and connection for 16-year-old Etelka Feher.
Feher, the Waupun FFA president, is showcasing her work at the Dodge County Fair for the first time. She created the piece to explore new aspects of agriculture and build community connections.
“I wanted to branch off, experience all the different sides of agriculture, and make connections,” Feher said.
Every detail on the hat carries personal meaning. Glass seed beads line the rim in a rattlesnake pattern honoring her Mexican heritage. The crown features a rising sun—the official symbol of an FFA president, representing a new day. She finished the piece with wild goose feathers gathered at sunrise near Horicon Marsh.
While the fair entry took 50 hours to complete, Feher’s passion for beading started years ago. During a family trip to South Dakota, a teenage member of the Lakota Nation taught her the sandwiching technique. Eager to expand her skills, Feher asked her parents for a loom. Her father later built her a custom trapezoid-shaped loom for larger projects.
The art form also connects Feher to her Hungarian roots. Her family regularly attends the Hungarian Gulyas Festival in Norridge, Illinois, where beading holds a rich tradition.
“Beading is a universal art,” Feher said. “Many cultures—including in India and across Africa—use beading in their traditions.”
Feher often gives away her handmade bracelets to connect with others. Looking ahead, she plans to tackle even larger projects, including a beaded tiara and a three-dimensional feather sculpture.
“My favorite part of beading is trusting the process and seeing the finished product,” Feher said.
Fairgoers can view Feher’s hat in the youth building at the Dodge County Fair through Sunday, Aug. 23. For more information, visit www.dodgecountyfairgrounds.com.
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