FAIREST OF THE FAIR ALUMNI
If you or someone you know once served as Columbia County’s Fairest of the Fair, Please reach out to us , we’d love to add you to this page. For more information please click here.
A Huge Thank you to Marianne McMillian & Emily McReath, for the time and effort they spent in doing the research and contacting our past Fairest of the Fair Alumni, without you we could not preserve the heritage and history of the Columbia County Fair.
Corrina Larson ~ 2025
I graduated from Columbus High School in 2021, where I was active in Columbus FFA and the Astico Perseverance 4-H Club. I then earned a bachelor's degree in Marketing from the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where I participated in Campus Programming and Activities, the Association of American Marketers, and the Platteville Women's Rugby Club.
I currently work as a Senior Event Specialist at Steak Shop Catering in Winona, Minnesota, coordinating weddings, corporate events, and community celebrations. I am especially grateful to my parents, Josh and Charlene Larson, for their unwavering support throughout my time as the 2025 Columbia County Fairest.
ISABELLE MCREATH ~ 2024
Isabelle served as the 2020 Junior Fairest of the Fair and later went on to become the 2024 Columbia County Fairest of the Fair.
She attended the University of Platteville, majoring in Agricultural Education.
Isabelle’s involvement: Portage FFA Alumni leadership team, Columbia County Fair Board, superintendent of the Clover Bud and Exploring Departments for the Columbia County Fair Board.
Isabelle’s older sister Emily was the 2019 Columbia County Fairest of the Fair.
She is the daughter of Troy & Brandie McReath of Portage Wisconsin.
MARIN STAFFACHER~2023
Marin served as the Fairest of the Fair for the year of 2023. She is a 2020 graduate of Beaver Dam High School and majored in Occupational Therapy at Madison College. She is the daughter of Rodney & Jaclyn Stauffacher of rural Columbus.
MAYA SCHROEDER~2022
Maya served as our Fairest of the Fair for the year of 2022. Maya graduated from Portage High School in 2022. She is the daughter of Joan McConochie and Tom Staveness.
SAMATHA FALK ~ 2020 & 2021
I remain actively involved with Harbor Recovery Center in Portage, where I share my experience, strength, and hope with others on their journey of recovery from addiction and mental health challenges. I plan to pursue a degree in Legal Studies in the future. In my free time, I enjoy crocheting and creating handmade items for others. Having been deeply involved in 4-H growing up, I also look forward to giving back as a 4-H project leader.
Samantha Falk was crown Columbia County’s fairest of the Fair in early 2020 before the COVID pandemic effected the United States and the World, Because no Columbia County Fair was held in the traditional style, Samantha remained our Fairest for the 2021 Columbia County Fair.
EMILY MCREATH ~ 2019
Emily served as the Columbia County Fairest of the Fair in 2019 after graduating from Portage High School that same year. Following graduation, she enlisted in the Army National Guard. She currently works as an EMT in a hospital emergency department and now serves as the Columbia County Fairest of the Fair Program Coordinator, where she mentors and supports the next generation of Fair ambassadors. Emily's younger sister proudly served as the 2024 Columbia County Fairest of the Fair. She is the daughter of Troy and Brandie McReath of Portage.
SARAH DAENTL~2018
Sarah served as Fairest in 2018. Sarah graduated from Portage High School in 2016 and went on to earn her Bachelor's degree from the University of Wisconsin- La Crosse. Sarah recently earned her Master's degree from Mount Mary University in Art Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Sarah works in the Madison area as an Art Therapist. Sarah's parents are Bill and Cathy Daentl of Portage, WI.
ESTER (CONSIDINE) VANVOORHEES ~ 2017
The daughter of Thomas and Joy Considine, she grew up in Portage, Wisconsin. She now lives in River Falls with her husband and son, where she works part-time as a farrier while also being a full-time stay-at-home mom.
ALLISON FOSTER ~ 2016
My year as Columbia County Fairest of the Fair was a pivotal experience that taught me confidence, professionalism, and the importance of embracing my femininity. It inspired me to pursue new opportunities and shaped the person I am today.
After earning my bachelor's degree in Dairy Science, I began my career at Grande Cheese Company as a Production Associate and later advanced to a Food Scientist in Research & Development. I was also honored to serve as the Columbia County Fairest of the Fair Program Coordinator for eight years, mentoring young women and helping make each of their years of service meaningful and memorable. In my spare time, I enjoy helping with our family's small dairy herd, volunteering with veterans' organizations, and reading.
I am the daughter of Kevin and Tammy Foster of Portage.
REBECCA DALTON ~ 2013
I was honored to serve as the 2013 Columbia County Fairest of the Fair. The Columbia County Fair has been a special part of my life since I was a Clover Bud, and representing our fair was truly a privilege.
One of my favorite parts of my year was meeting fairgoers and sharing my enthusiasm for the fair. Some of my favorite memories include showing the Grand Champion Market Hog, earning the Showman to Showman award, announcing the Sale of Champions with Bob Hagenow, serving pork at the Pork Producers' Annual Pork Dinner, and even getting to meet “Elvis”.
The Columbia County Fair has always been one of my favorite times of the year, but serving as Fairest made it even more meaningful. It is an experience filled with memories and friendships that I will always treasure.
Stephanie Hagedorn ~ 2008
After earning her Associate Degree in Nursing, she completed her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay in 2013. She currently serves as a Senior Clinical Care Transition Specialist with Option Care Health, where she has worked for nearly 10 years.
She and her husband, Donald, have been married for almost 10 years and are raising their three children, along with their dog, Nitro. The family resides in Eau Claire, Wisconsin.
In her free time, she enjoys staying active, reading, learning, and baking. Although she no longer exhibits at the fair, attending the Columbia County Fair remains a cherished family tradition each summer.
KARIN BUSSIAN ~ 2007
MEGAN BISHOP ~ 2003
LORI (ATTOE) BONGERT~2002
Lori (Attoe) Bongert served as Fairest in the year of 2002. Lori graduated from Poynette High School in 2003 and continued her education at the University of Wisconsin - Platteville majoring in Elementary Education. In 2011 received her masters degree in Administration. Lori is currently an elementary teacher for the Rio School District. Lori is married with two children who are actively involved in 4-H and show at both Columbia County Fair and Lodi Fair. Lori is the daughter of Jim and Barb Attoe of rural Poynette.
ANGELIA DAVIS ~ 2000
BILLIE-JO CASEY ~ 1999
More information will be added once it becomes available.
CARA (JAMES) CROSS ~ 1998
I was honored to serve as the Columbia County Fairest of the Fair in 1998. I earned my degree in Animal Science in May 2000 and married my husband, Mark, later that year on September 2. For more than 24 years, I worked in Marquette County with the USDA Nutrition Education Program, beginning as a Nutrition Educator and later supervising educators throughout the state.
Mark and I have two children, Macy and Lane. This summer, I began a new role with Carr Valley Cheese, where I promote their products. We also raise show pigs and enjoy life on our farm north of Pardeeville.
PEGGY (GAY) HAMELE ~ 1968
Peggy Gay (1968) Columbia County Fairest of the Fair graduated from Portage High School in 1966. She played Maria in the PHS musical production of The Sound of Music and went on to be a very successful teacher and elementary principal, retiring in 2003 as Randall Elementary Principal in Madison. She also served as the Wisconsin State Fair Fairest of the Fair in 1969. She currently lives in Ft. Atkinson with her husband of 55 years, Gene Hamele, who played Capt. VonTrap in the 1966 musical with Peggy. They have three children and eight grandchildren.