MADISON, WIS. – The Dane County Fair is happy to announce that Makenzie Milestone of Oregon topped the youth showmanship contest being named Master Showman on Sunday, July 20. Featuring the top senior showmen in eight animals – beef, dairy, dairy goats, meat goats, sheep, swine, poultry, and rabbits. The eight participants were evaluated on their performance and knowledge of each animal.
Milestone earned her new title after being named the top senior showman of the poultry show. She is the daughter of Jennifer and Kevin Milestone and is a member of the Kegonsa Hustlers 4-H Club. Receiving Reserve Champion Master Showman honors was Philly Ruth of Brooklyn, the top senior dairy goat showman and member of the Brooklyn Mighty Mites 4-H Club, daughter of Lucy and Rob Ruth.
Other participants included Lauryn Weisensel overall champion dairy showman of the Oak Park 4-H Club from Deerfield, Emma Pedersen top senior rabbit showman of the Oregon FFA Chapter from Oregon, Lindsey Kramer reserve champion senior beef showman of the Oregon FFA Chapter from Brooklyn, Morgan Eng top senior sheep showman of the Verona FFA Chapter from Fitchburg, Max Beere champion senior showman of the swine show of the Ashton Go Getters 4-H Club from Verona, and William Zweifel top senior meat goat showman of the Wits N’ Bits 4-H Club from Verona. 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 a 175-year history, the Dane County Fair was once again held at the Alliant Energy Center, July 17–20, 2025. The Dane County Fair thanks its Supreme Grand Champion Miller & Sons Supermarket, and the Grand Champion Sponsors Blain’s Farm & Fleet, Everlight Solar, 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 16–19, 2026.
###