Two women vying for 2019 Fairest title

Fairest of the Fair 2018

Left to right are Libby Knoebel, 2018 Fairest of the Fair Kiley Eek and Natalie Ciciva.

JEFFERSON — Two young women will vie for the title of 2019 Jefferson County Fairest of the Fair when this year’s fair takes place July 11-15.

The contestants are Natalie Ciciva of Waterloo and Libby Knoebel of Helenville.

One contestant will be crowned by 2018 Fairest of the Fair, Kiley Eck, and then will reign over the 2019 fair.

Following that, the winner will go on to compete in the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs final slated for January 2020.

The runner-up will take over the role of Fairest should the winner not be able to perform her duties.

Fair-goers will have the chance to meet the contestants and current Fairest as they travel to various exhibits throughout the fair.

Attendees are invited to attend Cookies with the Queen, which will take place for the second year in the West Exhibit building from 4 to 5 p.m. on Wednesday, July 11.

Prior to the event will be a chance to meet the Fairest of the Fair contestants, also in the West Exhibit Building, starting at 3:30 p.m.

The Jefferson County Fairest of the Fair program provides the opportunity to serve as a host/hostess to the Jefferson County Fair, as well as the chance to participate in promotional programs and media events.

During fair week, Fairest of the Fair contestants go through an evaluation given by two judges. By the end of that week, they will have completed individual and group interviews, created posters, speeches, radio commercials and about 80 hours of volunteering and promoting the fair.

Denise Derry of the Daily Jefferson County Union and Michael Gahagan of NRG Media will serve as judges for this year’s Fairest of the Fair competition.

Final questions will be asked on Sunday, July 15, at 12:30 p.m. at the Kids’ Stage. Crowning of the 2019 Fairest of the Fair will take place immediately following the final question.

Ciciva is the oldest daughter of John and Donna Ciciva.

A 2015 graduate of Waterloo High School, she currently attends William Woods University in Fulton, Mo., where she is studying for a double-major in equestrian science and equestrian administration, with a minor in business communications.

She has been very involved in 4-H in Jefferson County, both as an exhibitor and now as an adult leader.

Also, Ciciva was the 2014-15 Jefferson County Horse and Pony Equine Ambassador. Through that role, she was active in promoting the educational side of 4-H to increase the visibility of the Horse and Pony project specifically.

 
 

Knoebel is the third daughter of Steve and Jody Knoebel, having grown up on a farm where many varieties of produce are grown.

A 2016 graduate of Jefferson High School, she represented her fellow students on Student Council for three years, had two years each in J-Club and National Honor Society, and was named Citizen of the Month in 2015.

In addition, Knoebel was active in the Jefferson FFA chapter for four years, serving as the club reporter as a senior. Meanwhile, she also served as president of her 4-H Club, the Farmington All-Stars.

Currently, she is attending the University of Wisconsin-River Falls where she is double-majoring in dairy science and animal science with a meat emphasis.

Over the years, Knoebel has shown many different projects at the fair and has been involved heavinly in the 4-H program.

Past Fairests of the Fair include: Ann Schroeder, 2017; Jennifer Michel, 2016; Olivia Peter, 2015; Caitlyn (Gerlach) Hilgen, 2013-14; Willow (Hombsch) Steward, 2012; Alex Hein, 2011; Claire Scholten, 2010; Kristin Koeppel, 2009; Kassandra Kramer, 2008; Maddie Anfang, 2007; Ashley (Weissmann) Madson, 2006; Becky (Folgert) Mehringer, 2005; Amanda (Georgson) Maahs, 2004; and Liz Krause, 2003.

Also, Gwen Dolph, 2002; Shavon Schwartz, 2001; Kylene Cook, 2000; Nicole Jordan, 1999; Jodi (Skalitski) Joas, 1998; Karen Kleckner, 1997; Sadi Jo Meidl, 1996; Jennifer (Haberman) Statz, 1995; Kim Timm, 1994; Brenda Germandson, 1993; and Robbie Lukes, 1992.

Fairest of the Fair is sponsored by Generac, Denny’s Hairstyling, Eli Wedl Photo & Design, Humphrey Floraland Gift, Katzman Farms Inc., Pine Cone Restaurant and Makeup by Paige.

See www.jcfairpark.com for more information on the Jefferson County Fair.