Awards

Our next Friend of the Fair is a gentleman who is an IAFE Heritage Award Winner, a two term District 1 Rep for WAF and Past President, during his time serving as fair manager for the Lincoln County Fair. Dale Christiansen, now the Fair Manager for the Central WI State Fair, missed being on the board so much, he is serving yet another term for WAF. Dale’s fair knowledge is unique in that he can combine what he learned as a volunteer manager with his current position as a full-time manager.

When given the task to make his fair better, Dale reached out to community leaders to truly talk about the fair, it’s importance, and how combined leaders can contribute to make the fair better. Changing fair dates, enhancing ticket sales for admission and grandstand shows, and updating the property are just a few small tasks he’s undertaken. People are noticing the changes and the fair continues to grow.

Dale is always encouraging District 1 fairs to get more involved and his encouragement is working. Attendance at district meetings is growing and involvement in WAF committees and convention are also on the rise. Dale was instrumental in connecting the WAF Board with our Strategic Planner. Understanding that you can exchange some strategic planner knowledge for corn dogs is a pretty creative way to negotiate services. The connection he provided opened the door to the new ventures WAF has undertaken this past year. This connection has made a substantial difference in the future of WAF.

Thank you for all you have contributed to the Wisconsin Association of Fairs, Dale!

Fair board or county fair committee members active more than 12 years are eligible for the Hall of Fame Award. This year’s winners include:

• Hall of Fame Award Winner: District 1: The Hall of Fame Award is presented to Wayne Hendrickson. For more than 40 years, Wayne has been a part of the Clark County Fair community. Over the years, he has kept the fair organized and running efficiently by working with the different vendors, carnivals, animal committees and the extension office. As the Secretary/Treasurer, Wayne worked to improve the fair’s finances so that the fair could run independently from the county. Wayne serves on many boards and has a vast knowledge of township, county, and fair regulations. He is loved by his co-workers for his level headedness, warm demeanor, and witty comments. Many locals and judges stop at the fair office just to say hi to Wayne during the fair. Throughout his entire life, Wayne has pushed himself to a high standard of quality, organization, and financial stability. Throughout his many years of working on the fair board, he has made sure the Clark County Fair possesses those same qualities. Congratulations Wayne Hendrickson!
• Hall of Fame Award Winner: District 2: The Hall of Fame Award is presented to Robert Traynor. Robert has been a part of the Pierce County Fair since he was born, not ever missing a fair. Bob grew up in the 4-H and fair programs. He began exhibiting at the age of six. Today, he shares his love for the 4-H Dairy Program by coaching 4-H fair exhibitors in dairy judging and serving as the Junior Dairy Superintendent. He is also a member of the Open Dairy Committee. He understands the Pierce County Fair’s value and impact on the community, as he has served on the Fair, Building, and Agriculture and Extension Committees. He currently serves as the Fair Committee Chairperson. Bob showed his leadership qualities as he organized groups to fund and construct wash rack additions, a milking parlor/bathroom, and many other fair update projects. He assists with finding and managing volunteers for the Beer Garden during the fair. Bob is the face of the Pierce County Fair, sharing fun fair facts, upcoming events, and his infectious sense of humor as a social influencer. When he is not at the fair, he can be found judging other fairs and dairy events supporting the regional fair programs. Bob’s dedication and steadfast guidance continues to inspire generations. Congratulation Bob Traynor! Hall of Fame Award Winner: District 3: The Hall of Fame Award is presented to Jerry Skalitzky. When Jerry’s grandsons were in Boy Scouts, he took on “waste at the fair” as part of their community service project. Jerry and his daughter organized workers from the Hueber Center in Madison, picking up the residents who needed to work off some community service. He worked side by side with the “Hueby” guys bagging trash, hauling tables, and setting up different areas. He taught them the history of the Lodi Agricultural Fair, daily events, and why their jobs were so important. One worker stated, “This has been the nicest anyone has ever treated me, and next year when I am done serving my time, I am bringing my wife and daughter to this fair. I would even come back and volunteer.” Jerry worked year-round on major building and landscaping projects, pumping out the wastewater tank, painting, and doing repairs on buildings and equipment. He could fix our older equipment and we kept it because Jerry could fix it! Not bad for someone who was turning 80. Sadly, Jerry passed away in 2023 before the Lodi Fair. Though dearly missed, we’re sure Jerry is smiling down and proud of his family for carrying on his legacy at the Lodi Agricultural Fair. Hall of Fame Award Winner: District 4: The Hall of Fame Award is presented to Karen O’Leary. Karen has served for 39 years and is a Grand Champion individual and dedicated Rock County Fair Person. As the Entertainment Committee Chairperson, Karen works tirelessly with stage, lighting, and sound set up. She organizes meals, shuttle schedules, golf games, workout schedules and everything else an entertainer may need. The entertainer’s backstage trailer is converted into a home using many items from Karen’s own home. As secretary, she took great care in gathering information, keeping the minutes, and sharing her knowledge of the fair’s history and her experiences with the Rock County Fair. Board members appreciated her knowledge, dedication and commitment to all aspects of the fair. As a Supreme Champion, Karen, Superintendent of Child Development, is actively changing entry options for exhibitors. In 2010 she took on the role of Exploring Superintendent and improved the department’s entry options focusing on first time exhibitors. Karen attends district meetings and the WAF Convention annually. She is the Champion of the Rock County Fair. Congratulations Karen O’Leary!

The Volunteer Group Appreciation Award is awarded to a true volunteer group that receives no monetary compensation for their volunteer service. Only one overall winner is selected unlike the other categories where one per district is awarded.

• V.I.P Award: District 1 The V.I.P. award is presented to Laurie Heldemann. Laurie has helped in the Lincoln County Fair office for over 25 years, most of those years as a volunteer. With Laurie’s calm and cooperative nature, the fair office runs smoothly. She makes sure all department superintendent’s supply boxes are complete with everything needed for judging. She is the main person making sure that the correct judging results are put into the system. From early morning to late afternoon, Laurie can be found in the office unless her grandchildren are showing. As a grandmother, she knows the importance of family and is allowed to leave the office at those times. Laurie takes vacation from her paying job to work during the fair. For one of those days, her employer gives her paid community service time. She is willing to help whenever the need arises. When her husband passed, Laurie wasn’t sure if she would be able to help at the fair. She did work and felt the love and support of her fair family. Without Laurie’s calm demeanor, helpful skills, and when needed, humorous patience, the Lincoln County Fair would not run as well as it does. Congratulations Laurie Heldemann!
• V.I.P. Award: District 2 The V.I.P. Award is presented to Jeremy Murdach. For the past 20 years, the Sawyer County Fair has been the recipient of many amazing volunteer hours by Jeremy Murdach and JR Landscaping and Excavating. Jeremy volunteers his time, equipment and services, which include excavating, mechanical and products to the fair. Prior to the fair, you will find Jeremy in the multisport arena preparing for the grandstand events. Jeremy built the arena for all the grandstand events, including a Motocross track with a 50-foot ramp. When the Motocross is finished, Jeremy removes the ramp and prepares the arena for the next event. Taking pride in other areas of the fairgrounds, he has donated gravel to level out areas, such as in and around the barns, driveways and parking lot. Jeremy also contributes to the fair fundraisers. Even though Jeremy was given V.I.P. status with one of the selected food and beverage vendors on the fairgrounds, he always settles-up with the concessionaire at the end of the fair. Congratulations to Sawyer County’s V.I.P. Jeremy Murdach.
• V.I.P Award: District 3 The V.I.P. Award is presented to Deb and John Turner. John and Deb Turner have been continuous supporters of the Sauk County Fair for 57 and 39 years, respectively. John recalls the first time he volunteered at fair as a night watchman for the animals in the round barn, when he was 16 years old. John has helped in countless capacities at the fairgrounds, including set-up in the barns, tractor pulls, demo derbies, concerts and more. He has even taken on the “dreaded” garbage duty. After marriage, Deb started volunteering too. Deb is willing to step up and pitch in with any job at the fair. She has done it all, from office duties, answering phones and assisting fairgoers, money runner, counter, ticket taker, gates, general runner, finding other volunteers for the fair, to cleaning the restrooms. She always comes through. John and Deb have always put the fair first, and because of their support, the Sauk County Fair runs more smoothly. John and Deb see great value in giving back to their community, and have instilled this value in their family. Each year, they are joined by their children, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and other family members who prioritize volunteering at the Sauk County Fair, making it a better fair. Congratulations John and Deb Turner!
• V.I.P. Award: District 4 The V.I.P. Award is presented to Jill and Glenn Anderson. Glenn and Jill Anderson have been an integral part of the Kenosha County Fair for over 50 years. Jill has been a superintendent for the Plant and Soil Science, Natural Science, Woodworking and Foods and Nutrition Departments in Open Class. She has also been the liaison between the Board and the Open Class Building for 11 Departments. She attends all meetings to discuss the upcoming fair and to debrief the fair, and she also attends the annual meeting. She brings new ideas to the table to keep the fair unique and interesting. In working with the Master Gardeners of Kenosha, Jill made the fairgrounds her volunteer location for beautifying the grounds. Glenn has been a valued member of the Maintenance Department, serving both as a helper and as the head of maintenance. Outside of being an employee, Glenn has used his handy-man talents many times on the fairgrounds. Glenn is the face of the Kenosha County Fair information booth. He assists individuals in answering any questions that may arise. Both Glenn and Jill enjoy exhibiting at the fair. Congratulations Glenn and Jill Anderson!

ASSOCIATE OF THE FAIR: SAFFIRE

The Wisconsin Association of Fairs Associate of the Year award is to recognize an outstanding business that has made a significant impact to WAF members. This year we would like to congratulate Saffire.

For more than 16 years, Saffire has been a premium provider of ticketing, website, and branding services and is proud to be a part of so many Fairs throughout Wisconsin and the country. Not only does Saffire call the Fair industry home, many of our team members are former event organizers who really understand the day to day challenges of live events – no matter how “normal” or crazy the situation is. They love helping Fairs solve problems, bring more people to their events, and provide support when they really need it. They strive to make things easier for you and your Fair so that you can focus on what’s most important – your fairgoers.

For years, Saffire has been supporting WAF with our website and convention registration; attends the convention annually and exhibits in our trade show and provides sponsorship. Most recently, Saffire teamed with WAF to help us rebrand and coming in February, will complete our new website design. Though very big tasks to undertake, Saffire’s staff made the process a very easy one, listening to our concerns and goals, and implementing a final product that exceeded our expectations.

The Wisconsin Association of Fairs proudly honors Saffire with the 2025 Associate of the Year award.