Citizen Staff
The 2006 Fairest of the Fair Mary Kate Frank puts a sash on this year's Fairest of the Fair Katie Rhodes. Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair Sheri Nelson waits with the flowers that will be given to Rhodes.
A 19-year-old Beaver Dam woman was named Fairest of the Fair at the Dodge County Fairgrounds on Wednesday night.
Katie Rhodes a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse competed against seven other contestants to win the title. Jessica Blodgett, Mayville, Amanda Graff, Watertown, Cayla Harned, Fox Lake, Amanda Messer, Beaver Dam, Kimberly Schmitt, Lowell, Erica Soldner, Reeseville and Karmen Vick, Beaver Dam, gave Rhodes stiff competition, but could not compete with Rhodes' commercial which contained her singing her own song inviting everyone to the fair.
The competition began in July when the judges Sandra Budewitz, John Engels and Kimberly Schoessow interviewed the contestants. The judges first heard the contestant's promotional commercials for the fair in July.
On Wednesday night, the contestants introduced themselves, performed their commercials and answered questions.
Rhodes was asked to name the three things that make the Dodge County Fair successful.
"I'd have to say the three characteristics that the fair has to offer is diversity, a chance to have fun and its very open to the public," Rhodes said.
The fair attracts both people from an agricultural background to those from urban communities, Rhodes said. She added that there are many ways to have fun at the fair and that it is promoted very well.
"The past Fairest of the Fairs have done a wonderful job promoting the fair," Rhodes said.
Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair Sheri Nelson helped master of ceremonies Scott Lopas to announce upcoming fair events while the judges calculated their scores. Mary Kate Frank, 2006 Fairest of the Fair, then followed with her farewell speech.
"A lot has happened in the past year," Frank said. "I have learned plenty about the fair and Dodge County. Who knew there was more to earn when you were born and raised here?"
Frank had a piece of advice for the 2007 Fairest of the Fair.
"I encourage the 2007 Dodge County Fairest of the Fair to explore all the opportunities this crown will show her and to always keep learning," Frank said.
Rhodes is the daughter of Jack and Rita Rhodes. She is majoring in biology with a concentration in biomedical science and pre-med. She is involved in Alpha Phi Sorority and Angell Hall Executive Team. She received the Dorothy Luckow Award for outstanding achievement in the Leipsic 4-H Club.
The Fairest of the Fair represents Dodge County Fair Association at the fair and during parades and other functions during the year. She serves as the official hostess at the fair and participates in promotional programs and media events. She also assists in the planning of next year's Fairest of the Fair program.
Terri Pederson can be reached at tpederson@capitalnewspapers.com.