WEST ALLIS, Wis. – January 10, 2024 – Wisconsin State Fair officials are proud to introduce the 2024 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, who was selected this evening at the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in the Wisconsin Dells. A group of 35 talented contestants vied for this coveted position, and Kelsey Henderson, 21, representing the Racine County Fair, was crowned. The Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs program was created 58 years ago to select an ambassador for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, which represents 75 county, district, and state Fairs in Wisconsin. Each year, the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs travels throughout the state promoting the educational, agricultural, social, cultural, and commercial opportunities available at Wisconsin’s lively Fairs. The winner must possess outstanding communication skills as well as organization, professionalism, and above all, a passion for the Fair industry. In addition, she will serve as an official ambassador of the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by UScellular, which takes place August 1 – 11 in West Allis. This role includes greeting Fairgoers and special guests, performing as the master of ceremonies for events, participating in various contests, and representing the State Fair during special media appearances. Henderson will serve a one-year term, and her responsibilities include appearances at Fairs and events throughout the state, working with media, and promoting the importance of Wisconsin Fairs. The daughter of Craig and Sue Henderson of Kenosha, Wis., Henderson is currently studying Agricultural Business at Iowa State University and beginning in 2025, she is expected to take a full-time role at John Deere as a Marketing and Customer Support Development Program Representative. Henderson was an active 4-H member for 10 years and FFA member, holding a variety of leadership positions. “We are excited to have Kelsey take on this important role as Fairest of the Fairs,” said Shari Black, CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park. “Kelsey’s education, experience, and participation in Fairs will serve her well as she travels throughout Wisconsin, promoting the Wisconsin State Fair and Fairs around the state.” Ellie Szczech, 20, representing the Waukesha County Fair, was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Pam Szczech of Wales, Wis. She is currently earning a degree in Speech Language and Hearing Science from the Minnesota Twin Cities. Szczech looks forward to pursuing a career in children’s speech therapy in the future. Amalia Draxler, 19, representing the St. Croix County Fair, was named second runner-up. She is the daughter of Mike and Rebecca Draxler of Glenwood City, Wis. and is attending University of Wisconsin–Madison, working towards a degree in Agriculture and Applied Economics. Draxler has served as FFA Chapter president and as well as her class president. Aubrey Schlimgen, 20, representing the Dane County Fair, was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Tony and Jackie Schlimgen of Marshall, Wis. and is working as a dairy farmer on her family farm where they have 300 head of cattle. Aleah Hunter, 19, representing the Trempealeau County Fair, was named fourth runner-up. She is the daughter of Mark and Dee Ann Hunter from Galesville, Wis. While currently studying nursing at Viterbo University, she works at a hospital and at the Great American Honey Company. Henderson was selected from a group of incredibly talented young women and takes over for the 2023 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Sharlene Swedlund from Green County. The Fairest of the Fairs is selected by a panel of three judges representing the Fair and agriculture industries as well as the media. This year’s judges were Stephen Asplund, Jeannie Domeyer, and Chris Krautkramer. A third-time judge, Asplund built a career in news broadcasting for 42 years, retiring from WLUC-TV6 in Marquette, Michigan in 2022. During his four decades in TV news, he held all the positions in the newsroom culminating with his role as news director. After retiring in March of 2022, Steve and his wife moved to Delta, Wis. in Bayfield County. Jeannie’s love for the Fair industry started by exhibiting cattle in her 4-H years. Now, the manager of Delaware County Fair in Manchester, Iowa, under her leadership, the Fair has experienced remarkable growth, evolving into a thriving hub of community engagement. Beyond the Fairgrounds, Jeannie wears many hats. As a loving mother to three children, the Domeyer family continues to share their passion for agriculture by actively participating in dairy cattle shows. Originally from Wausau, Chris Krautkramer has been involved in the agricultural industry for the past 50 years. From raising veal calves to growing ginseng and becoming one of the state’s first Emu Breeders, Chris has had a robust career. Now residing in Marathon, she spends her free time with her family and spending time outdoors. Individuals interested in competing in future Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs contests should contact their county or district Fair board for more information or visit WiFairs.com.
