MADISON, WIS. – The Dane County Fair is happy to announce that Tanner Clark of Oregon topped the youth showmanship contest being named Master Showman on Sunday, July 23. Featuring the top senior showmen in seven species for the first time – beef, dairy, dairy goats, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbits – the seven participants were evaluated on their performance and knowledge of each animal.
Clark earned his new title after being named the reserve champion senior showman of the beef show. He is the son of Steve and Lori Clark and is a member of the Oregon FFA Chapter. Receiving Reserve Champion Master Showman honors was Emma Haag of Oregon, the top senior sheep showman and member of the Oregon FFA Chapter, daughter of Lee and Angela Haag.
Other participants included Brigid Howard top senior swine showman member of the Brooklyn Mighty Mites from Brooklyn, Cheyenne Johnson top senior rabbit showman of the Oregon FFA Chapter from Oregon, Lily Follen top senior poultry showman of the Waunakee Whirlwinds 4-H Club from Waunakee, Philly Ruth top senior dairy goat showman of the Brooklyn Mighty Mites from Brooklyn, and Lauryn Weisensel overall champion dairy showman of the Oak Park 4-H Club from Deerfield. Each participant received a cash award.
First developed in 2011 by Kate Griswold, a long-time Dane County Fair exhibitor, the Master Showman contest at the Dane County Fair challenges the senior showmanship winners to learn about other livestock species and become well-rounded showmen. The program received its first funding through a J.C. Penney scholarship and has since become an annual tradition supported by the local community.
In the heart of Madison, the Dane County Fair is home to free concerts, stunt shows, animals, a carnival, and all the best fair foods. With over a 170-year history, the Dane County Fair was once again held at the Alliant Energy Center, July 20–23, 2023. The Dane County Fair thanks its Grand Champion Sponsors Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Miller & Sons Supermarket, Compeer Financial, La Movida, and Life 102.5. For more information, visit www.danecountyfair.com or our Facebook and Instagram pages. The Dane County Fair will be back at Alliant Energy Center July 18-21, 2024.
###