A local Wisconsin tradition sees new honoree
In January, the Jefferson County Fair crowned Hannah Brattlie, a longtime 4-H’er and dedicated fair participant, as Fairest of the Fair. Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery helped sponsor the event.
The rumors are true: Our cheese played a part in naming this year’s Jefferson County Fair “Fairest of the Fair.” (And by “played a part” we mean served as finger-food-fuel for official event attendees— a role equally as important as any other.) Fair coordinator Sammy Gravey noted Hoard’s Dairyman Farm Creamery cheese to be “The highlight of the mingle session.” But enough about Guernsey milk turned curdy goodness.
Per a statement by the Jefferson County Fair, recipients of the Fairest of the Fair honorarium are to serve as “the official representative of the Jefferson County Fair.” They “attend numerous events throughout the year” and “work closely with Fair Park staff to promote events and foster community pride leading up to and during the Fair.”
This year’s honoree Hanna Brattlie is from Cambridge, Wisc., and currently attends the University of Wisconsin–Platteville. Brattlie started showing chickens and rabbits at the Jefferson County Fair eleven years ago and now breeds and raises her own animals – a passion exhibited in her chosen area of study: animal science.
In her acceptance speech, Brattlie said she looks forward to mentoring exhibitors in the upcoming Fair as she takes on her new role. She is already brainstorming creative ways to connect with the community in her upcoming term, such as appearing in local parades, speaking at community gatherings, and leading book readings.
“I have been involved in this Fair my whole life,” she said. “It’s awesome to be able to be the spokesperson and the face of the Jefferson County Fair.”
The judges
During her year as Fairest, Brattlie will represent the fair and its celebration of agricultural, social, and cultural achievements at related events across Jefferson County and beyond.
Brattlie is anteceded by Amanda Georgson – Fairest of 2004; Becky Mehringer – Fairest of 2006; Libby Hafften – Fairest of 2019; Maddi Besch – Fairest of 2022; and Danielle Chwala – Fairest of 2023 & 2024.
To learn more about Brattlie and her role, visit http://www.jcfairpark.com/.