Fairest 2000-2009

Dori Halbur of Fond du Lac is serving as the 2000 Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair.  Born and raised on a dairy farm in Fond du Lac, she is the daughter of Ray and Rae Nell Halbur.  She has one sister, Josetta, and one brother, Ted.
As an eleven-year member of the Taft 23 4-H Club, Halbur participated in dairy, clothing, arts and crafts, photography and youth leadership projects.  Her 4-H activities gave her the opportunity to exhibit at the Fond du Lac County Fair.  Halbur is also a member of the Fond du Lac County and National Junior Holstein Associations.
A graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy,  Halbur was active in cross country, band, choir, drama, forensics and the yearbook staff.  She is currently a senior at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in Agricultural Marketing Communications with a minor in Animal Science.  Her extracurricular activities on the college level include the Falcon Dairy Club and serving as chairperson for the Association of Women in Agriculture (AWA).  Halbur is also a reporter for the College of Agriculture, Food and Environmental Sciences alumni newsletter called "The Fence Post."
Halbur has a strong background in agriculture communications.  In 1999, she served as the Wisconsin Holstein Princess Attendant.  During the spring and summer semesters of 2000, she completed an internship with Wisconsin Farm Progress Days 2000 as their publicity and promotion college intern.  In the fall of 2000, she spent three months in Washington, D.C. as an intern for Sixth District Congressman Tom Petri's office. This summer, she is employed with Barn Tours, Inc. of Texas.  Halbur's career goal after college graduation is to find a position where she can promote the agriculture industry.  
The Fond du Lac County Agricultural Society is proud to have Dori Halbur as the 2000 Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair.

At the 150th Fond du Lac County Fair, held July 18 to 22, 2001, Megan Grunke was crowned the Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair.
The daughter of Mike and Laurie Grunke, the 2001 Fairest was raised on a small hobby farm in Fond du Lac, where horses, peacocks, dogs, cats and a turtle also reside. She has shared that experience with one older sister, Heather; and two younger sisters, Miranda and Katelyn.
A graduate of Horace Mann High School in North Fond du Lac, Grunke is currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, majoring in communication arts, and is completing all the recommended pre-law courses. Her goal is to attend law school, where she will focus on environmental law.
Rotary Student of the Month, outstanding forensics performer, leadership awards, and numerous state awards in music and forensics were presented to Grunke during her high school career. She also represented her high school at Badger Girls State, and was a D.A.R. Good Citizen.
While in high school, Grunke's activities included being a member of the swing choir, student council, yearbook, newspaper, forensics, National Honor Society, School Board, and Youth Tutoring Youth.
In college, she is involved in Wispirg, a student public interest group that focuses on environmental and consumer issues.

Outside the classroom, Grunke was recognized with the Sarah Gannon Memorial Youth Award, a youth leadership award in the horse project.
Grunke's hobbies include riding horses, painting, reading, listening to music and going to movies. She also enjoys spending time with her family and friends.
Participating in the Cloverbud program, and then being a member of the Hands of Friendship 4-H Club, she was an active member of the horse project, arts and crafts, drawing and painting, beef, and photography.
"My family is very involved in 4-H, and I plan to stay involved as well. It is through 4-H that I developed my love for speaking, which has led to my career choice," she said.
The Fond du Lac County Agricultural Society is pleased to have Megan Grunke represent their county fair. Her commitment to the 4-H program, and her dedication to her studies, make her an excellent candidate to represent their organization.

Karen R. Zoellner, Fond du Lac, was crowned Fairest of the Fair at the 2002 Fond du Lac County Fair, held July 17-21. She is the daughter of Don and Kathleen Zoellner. Karen is a 2001 graduate of Winnebago Lutheran Academy. She is currently a student at University of Wisconsin - Stout, where she is pursuing a degree in hotel, restaurant and tourism management. Karen would like to obtain a position as road manager and spokesperson for an entertainment professional or professional sports team.
Karen's hobbies include her job at McDonalds, 4-H, raising rabbits, mentoring youth and spending time with family and friends. Her community activities include being a youth director for Blackhawk Netherland Dwarf Rabbit Club, and a youth leader for photography and rabbit projects and president of Junior Leaders. For the past five years, she has served as chair of the county committee to collect soda can tabs to benefit Ronald McDonald House in Milwaukee.
Other activities include assisting at the Boys and Girls Club of Fond du Lac for special events and having a monthly hands-on activity for children at FAVR, a local shelter for women and children involved in violent relationships.
Karen was recognized in 2001 as a recipient of the First Lady of Wisconsin Community Service Award. In 2002, she was a Miss Fond du Lac non-finalist interview scholarship award recipient. She was also recognized with numerous other awards through 4-H and other activities, including the 4-H Key Award and the Prudential Spirit of Community Honorable Mention, both awarded in 2000.
The new Fairest is looking forward to her year.
"I get to meet a lot of different people who are very interesting. It's an opportunity to enhance myself as a person and to represent Fond du Lac County," she said.

Tiffany Boyke, Fond du Lac , was crowned the 2003 Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair on Wednesday evening, July 16, at the 152nd Fond du Lac County Fair.  Karen Zoellner, the 2002 Fairest, crowned her predecessor on the grandstand.  Tiffany is the daughter of Gary and Rose Boyke. She is a 2003 graduate of Fond du Lac High School.  Her goals include heading off to the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh in the fall and setting a future plan for herself.  She ran for the Fairest of the Fair position to promote the many opportunities the fair can offer.  
Tiffany's hobbies include showing dairy animals at various shows throughout the summer, playing volleyball and hanging out with friends.  She is employed at her parents' farm where she feeds calves.  She is also employed at Great Northern Sales Arena.
Her school honors and awards include being a member of the National Honor Society and winning a national award in the area of history.  While in high school, she was a member of the Key Club, Student Council and yearbook.  She served as junior class treasurer and organized the 2003 Mr. Fond du Lac Pageant.
Tiffany's community activities include being a 10-year member of the Wonder Workers 4-H Club, 4-H and Junior Holstein Dairy Bowl, and Wisconsin Junior Activities Board of Director.
Community awards and honors through 4-H include being awarded achievement and leadership awards, being chosen as a delegate to Washington DC for Citizenship Washington Focus. She is a member of the second place dairy bowl team that will compete at World Dairy Expo in the fall.

Joseta Halbur has been selected as the 2004 Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair.
"I was pretty excited to be crowned Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair and have the opportunity to represent the Fond du Lac County Fair. I want to do my best at building the Fairest of the Fair program and to represent the Fair not only on the county level, but also on the state level, to let people know what we have here in Fond du Lac County," she said.
The daughter of Ray and Rae Nell Halbur of Fond du Lac, Joseta is currently a senior at University of Wisconsin-River Falls. Her future plans are to earn a bachelor of science degree in Agricultural Marketing Communications and a master's degree in Agricultural Communications. Her career goal is to be a 4-H Agent with the University of Wisconsin Extension.
Joseta is currently a member of the Association of Women in Agriculture, Falcon Dairy Club, and Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow, and is also involved in the County, State and National Holstein Association.
Joseta also serves as the exploring, cloverbud, and dairy leader for Taft 23 4-H Club. She enjoys showing cattle and working on the family farm. She likes to spend time with family and friends, and getting involved with school activities and volunteering with the Fond du Lac County 4-H program. She is currently employed on her family farm, Burledge Hosteins, Great Northern Land and Cattle Company and Oster Professional Products.
"Over the years, the Fair has given me responsibilities that are different than those in everyday life. It has helped me prepare for my career in UW Extension," Joseta said.

Sarah Galdi, Brandon, has been selected as the 2005 Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair. The Fairest of the Fair event took place Wednesday, July 20, opening day of the 154th Fond du Lac County Fair. She was crowned by Joseta Halbur, 2004 Fairest of the Fair.
The daughter of Robert and Francine Galdi, Sarah is a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her goals are to earn a degree in dairy science and business and to later attend law school to pursue a career in estate planning that emphasizes agricultural law.
Sarah's hobbies include showing dairy cattle at the county and state fairs, dairy judging, and running. She was an active member of Weeping Willow 4-H Club. The 2004 Laconia High School graduate was involved in the Laconia cross country team, the high school band and math team, and the National Honor Society. Her involvement in the FFA included being a Chapter officer. She was recognized with numerous awards.
On the college level, she is involved in the Association of Women in Agriculture currently serving as sentinel, and the Badger Dairy Club. She is also the Fond du Lac County Junior Holstein Association President.
Danielle Bleck of Fond du Lac was named first runner up and Katie Poznanski of Campbellsport was second runner-up. Other Fairest of the Fair candidates included Krista Demoske of Fond du Lac and Susan Theisen of Campbellsport.
Rick and Pat Miller of Culver's of Fond du Lac donated both a $750 scholarship to Sarah Galdi and a $250 scholarship to Danielle Bleck. Oakfield Lions Club awarded a $100 scholarship to Katie Pozanski. Several area businesses also donated items for the gift bags presented to all the Fairest candidates.
Sarah will compete at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Annual Convention in January for the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair title.

Courtney Pufall, Campbellsport, has been selected as the 2006 Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair. The Fairest of the Fair event took place Wednesday, July 19, opening day of the 155th Fond du Lac County Fair.
She was crowned by Sarah Galdi, 2005 Fairest of the Fair. The daughter of Steve and Cindy Pufall, Courtney graduated from Campbellsport High School and is currently pursuing a degree in genetics from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Her goal is a career in the medical field.
In her spare time, Courtney enjoys horseback riding, swimming, soccer and snowboarding. She is currently involved in University of Wisconsin-Madison organizations, including Alpha Epsilon Delta, Pre-med Society, Canterbury Run/Walk for Literacy and the Snowboard Club. She is currently enrolled in MPTC's Basic Nursing Assistant Course. She is employed in janitorial maintenance at American Facility Services. Her 4-H career found her active in the horse project, including State 4-H Horse Expo. She was the recipient of five county horse awards.
Krista Demoske of Fond du Lac was named first runner up and Katherine Poznanski of Campbellsport was second runner-up. Other Fairest of the Fair candidates included Danielle Bleck of Fond du Lac, Melanie Eubanks of Eldorado, and Stephanie Loehr of Mount Calvary.
Rick and Pat Miller of Culver's of Fond du Lac donated both a $750 scholarship to Courtney Pufall and a $250 scholarship to Krista Demoske. Oakfield Lions Club awarded a $100 scholarship to Katherine Poznanski. Several area businesses also donated items for the gift bags presented to all the Fairest candidates.
Courtney will compete at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Annual Convention in January for the 2007 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fair title.

Kristin Natzke, Fond du Lac, was crowned the 2007 Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair. The crowning took place on the Miller Lite Grandstand during the Fond du Lac County Fair. The Fond du Lac County Fairest position was something Kristin wanted to pursue since she was a little girl. She thought it would be a good experience, and she wanted the opportunity to represent the Fair.
When her name was announced, Kristin was elated. "It was kind of shocking and exciting. There were a lot of qualified girls involved. It was a mix of emotions all at the same time," she said. Kristin will serve as the ambassador for the 2007 Fond du Lac County Fair. She will represent the Fair at various media and promotional events throughout the year. The Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair will compete for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Fairest of the Fair title in January of 2008. The Fairest will also be asked to participate in local community activities, where she will be the official representative and voice for the Fond du Lac County Fair.
Kristin is the daughter of Tim and Barb Natzke of Fond du Lac. She is a 2006 Winnebago Lutheran Academy graduate, and is currently attending the University of Wisconsin-Madison pursuing a degree in Dairy Science and Life Science Communications (Agricultural Journalism). After graduation she hopes to remain involved with the dairy industry by pursuing a public relations career.
Her accomplishments include being named 1st place recipient of the 2007 Badger Dairy Club Scholarship. She is employed at Great Northern Land and Cattle Company, Callahan's Bar and Grill, and Rural Insurance (Brian Greenman) as a personal assistant. She has been active in 4-H, Junior Holsteins and FFA. Rick and Pat Miller of Culver's of Fond du Lac presented Kristin with a $750 scholarship.
First runner-up was Melissa Zimdahl, who received a $250 scholarship from Culver's. Toni Steinmetz, the second runner-up, was awarded a $100 scholarship from Oakfield Lions. Holiday Dodge is also a sponsor.

Melissa Zimdahl proved Wednesday night that everyone has a second chance at being a winner. The 21-year-old Campbellsport native was crowned this year's Fairest of the Fair at the Fond du Lac County Fair. Kayla Schraufnagel of Brownsville was first-runner-up, and Katelyn Santy of Fond du Lac was second runner-up. Zimdahl was awarded a $750 scholarship, while Schraufnagel took home $250. The seven contestants braved cloudy skies and large crowds for the 40th annual competition, which was held in front of the Grandstand at the County Fairgrounds. Among those in attendance were past winners, including Sue (Kottke) Boyke, the first Fairest of the Fair, and Kristin Natzke, the 2007 Fairest of the Fair. Zimdahl's family and friends cheered as Natzke placed the crown on her head. Several fans held a red sign that read: "Melissa is Our Favorite." Even though she's been on stage before, Zimdahl said she still experienced a whirlwind of emotions. She took first-runner-up in 2007 and wasn't sure how she'd rank this year. "There were so many girls up there who were so qualified," she said. When the emcees called her name, Zimdahl's hands flew to her face in shock and elation. "I'm really excited and honored to be the 40th Fairest of the Fair," she told the audience. Nerve-wracking test The seven women discovered that there's more to Fairest of the Fair than crowns, dresses and flowers. Before this week's ceremony, each contestant wrote and read a public service announcement promoting the Fond du Lac County Fair. The ads were aired over the radio, and the contestants recited them for the crowd Wednesday. Competitors also had an interview and dinner with the judges. During the contest, emcees asked the women how they would console a new 4-H member who had started crying from receiving a pink ribbon. The question brought back painful memories for Zimdahl, who has been in 4-H for 10 years. During one County Fair, she said she showed a horse that was diagnosed with a life-threatening disease. "I knew it would be our last Fair," she recalled. That year, she was hoping for a happy final hurrah but ended up ranking last and taking home a pink ribbon. She said she would have told the 4-H member her story to show that one bad moment doesn't mean the end. Schraufnagel said she would have told the child to cherish the experience. She said she has learned much from her County Fair projects, even the ones that finished last. "The color of the ribbon is not what matters," she said.

Ashley Julka of Rosendale is the new Fond du Lac County Fairest of the Fair.
Julka, 19, was crowned Wednesday at the Fond du Lac County Fair. Elizabeth Drendel of Fond du Lac was first runner-up, followed by Rikki Ruplinger of Ruplinger of Mount Calvary.

Hometown: Rosendale
Age: 19
Parents: Randy and Marilyn Julka
Education: Laconia High School, 2008 graduate. Currently a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
Activities: Rosendale 4-H Club, Fond du Lac County Junior Holstein Association, Fond du Lac County Junior Leaders Association, Salvation Army, Broken Bread, nursing homes, Brandon Food Pantry, church, Breakfast on the Farm, Boys and Girls Club, Farm Technology Days.