Wisconsin State Fair crowns ‘Fairest’

The Wisconsin State Fair recently crowned its 45th annual Fairest of the Fair. Alexis Nickelotti, 20, representing Vernon County Fair will represent 76 Wisconsin county, district and state fairs in 2011. She begins her one-year term immediately. Nickelotti was selected from 36 young women and one man.
“The caliber of young (people) who participate each year is quite impressive, and this year is no exception,” stated Patrice Harris, director of public relations and communications of the Wisconsin State Fair.  “Each year, our staff, Fairgoers and exhibitors are excited to meet Fairest and the management is proud to have her as the Official Hostess of the Wisconsin State Fair. We are very much looking forward to working with Alexis and aiding in her development on both a personal and professional level.”
Nickelotti’s responsibilities as the Fairest of the Fair include traveling to the county, district and state fairs throughout the state as the spokesperson for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, and she will as serve as the official hostess of the 2011 Wisconsin State Fair Aug. 4 through Aug. 14.
Amy Manske, 20, of Waupaca County was announced as the first runner up, and Mary Pat Speerstra, 19, of Trempealeau County was named second runner up.
“Each year there is an impressive and talented field of contestants competing for Fairest of the Fairs, and the counties they represent should be very proud of these exceptional young people,” stated Joan Behr, the director of communications for Foremost Farms who served on the panel of judges. “I was so very impressed by the pool of candidates, their existing knowledge of the fair industry, their passion, and their willingness to enhance and increase their knowledge of both the fair and agriculture industries.” 
The Fairest of the Fairs was selected by a panel of three judges representing the agricultural, fair, and media industries. In addition Behr, the panel was comprised of former Wisconsin Association of Fairs president Harry Nienaber of Marshfield and WTMJ-TV Channel 4 Consumer Reporter Karen Stiles.