MADISON, WIS. – Congratulations to the 2024 Dane County Fairest of the Fair, McKenna Ely of Madison. Ely will be crowned at the Dane County Breakfast on the Farm to be held Saturday, June 8 at Blue Star Dairy Farms, 7502 Patton Road, DeForest, WI. The public is invited to attend the presentation of Ely who was selected for this role at the April selection event.
Ely is the daughter of Rebecca and Michael Schewe. She is a graduate of Wisconsin Lutheran College where she majored in Politics and Law and currently works for the State of Wisconsin. Her position focuses primarily in the area of public relations, assistance with state agencies, addressing questions about legislation or other state issues, welcoming students and tour groups to the Wisconsin State Capitol, and scheduling meetings and events. Ely plans to advance her career by transitioning into a position more related to public policy. While Ely is new to Dane County, she has been a long-time county fair participant and 4-H member in multiple clubs with leadership positions – Historian, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President, and President. She has also served on her High School’s Student Council and founded her school’s American Mentor Group where she mentored international exchange students. In college, Ely served as Vice President of the Pre-Law Society and Student Organization Council President of the Student Senate.
When Ely is not working for the State of Wisconsin, she spends her time volunteering as a staff counselor at Keller’s Lake Day Camp where she works with people of all ages who have any form of physical disability or cognitive impairment. Ely has been volunteering at this week-long day camp in various capacities since she was 10 years old, and it became even more personal to her when her younger cousin was diagnosed with Autism and her brother was born with Cerebral Palsy. While at the camp, Ely assists in offering crafts, swimming, boating, yard games, and other activities to the participants. She also states that the camp gives her opportunities to learn about many of the unique challenges other individuals face, learn and grow through adversity and understanding, and be able to give the campers one great week of summer fun before many of them return to group homes or other assisted living facilities. In addition, Ely has former experience as a Certified Nursing Assistant and a tutor for students in K-8 grades in Milwaukee.
“Through my ten years in 4-H, I made the conscience effort to enter exhibits in a plethora of diverse areas, including photography, cake decorating, creative writing, woodworking, houseplants, knitting, foods and nutrition, and even cat showmanship. From the creative projects to those that focused on health and wellness, I further strengthened my respect for each and every participant at the county fair,” stated Ely. She added that “I have always dreamed of representing what the county fair is all about: hard work, dedication, resilience, talent, and humility. I know that the county fair is more than carnival rides and tasty snacks, and that it represents the countless hours put into every hand-made project, the many sleepless nights put into raising large animals and livestock, and the overflowing dedication of 4-H members, FFA leaders, and the critical people who serve our state through the agricultural industry. I am so grateful to now call Dane County home, and I am honored to serve as your 2024 Dane County Fairest of the Fair!”
In this role, Ely will attend community events promoting the upcoming Dane County Fair, July 18–21 as well as additional events across the state. She will make daily appearances at the Fair meeting fairgoers, presenting awards to youth exhibitors, and participating in various activities. Community members can keep up with her year as Dane County Fairest of the Fair by liking the Dane County Fairest of the Fair Facebook page.
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 will once again be held at the Alliant Energy Center, July 18–21, 2024. For more information, visit www.danecountyfair.com, or our Facebook and Instagram pages.
###