Thank you so much for making the 2025 WAF convention a huge success! Wow, what a great Fair Family Reunion we had!
The Wisconsin Association of Fairs members were well represented as, 70 of 75 Wisconsin State, Districts and County Fairs were represented at the 2025 annual convention January 5-8. Fair Board Members and guests came together in the Dells to network, learn, plan for the upcoming fair season, and pick the new Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs.
Jayme Buttke, Executive Director of the Wisconsin Association of Fairs said, “I was so impressed to see how involved fair board members got at this year’s convention. Ian Hill led three sessions that engaged our members and challenged them to be the ones to make the change in the future of the fair industry. It’s going to be an exciting year for WAF”.
Numerous workshops were well attended throughout convention. Auctions, showcase of entertainment and the trade show were other areas all attendees could network with other Fair and Associate Members.
Along with all the activities for the Fair Board Members, 33 contestants competed for the title of 2025 Wisconsin State Fairest of the Fairs. The contestants went through a series of trainings including proper etiquette, public speaking, professional attire, interview experience, and conversation starters. They hear from a variety of fair experts to learn more about the industry. The contestants also go through individual and group interviews, while being judged on their stage presence and fair knowledge. The winner of this year’s Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs was Megan Salentine from the Kenosha County Fair. She will spend the fair season traveling to the fairs throughout Wisconsin promoting the educational, agricultural, social, cultural, and commercial opportunities available.
Fair Volunteers were also recognized for their efforts not only this past year, but for many years of dedicated service. Awards were recognized in the following categories:
- Friend of the Fair is awarded to individuals who have gone above and beyond in supporting the Wisconsin Association of Fairs. Deb Gotlibson, Dale Christiansen, and Deb Gegare Vine.
- Bob Williams Memorial Award was presented to Bill Marohl for his lifelong dedication to the fair industry.
- Volunteer Group Appreciation Award is awarded to a true volunteer group that receives no monetary compensation for the volunteer service. Only one overall winner selected unlike the other categories where one per district is awarded. This was awarded to the Cornerstone Church.
- V. I.P. Award is awarded to an individual or couple (any two people) non-fair board member/non-committee member, with no specific length of service required. Laurie Heidemann from the Lincoln County Fair, Jeremy Murdach from the Sawyer County Fair, Deb and John Turner from the Sauk County Fair, and Jill and Glenn Anderson from the Kenosha County Fair were recognized.
- Outstanding Fair Person Award is awarded to fair board/county fair committee member being active 12 years or less. Sandy Leonhard from Central Wisconsin State Fair, Chad Lutsey from Polk County Fair, Tim Lindholm from Iowa County Fair, and Travis Steinert from Ozaukee County Fair were recognized.
- Hall of Fame Award is awarded to fair board/county fair committee member based on 12 years or more of active service. Wayne Hendrickson from the Clark County Fair, Robert Traynor Pierce, Jerry Skalitzky from the Lodi County Fair, Karen O’leary from the Rock County Fair were recognized.
The convention is filled with learning, laughter, and networking. The members share stories of success and hardships and they support and encourage each other. This group is truly a family who you can often hear saying, ‘Have a great fair day.”