MADISON, WIS. – Congratulations to the 2025 Dane County Fairest of the Fair, Gwendolyn (Gwen) Mahoney of Mount Horeb. Mahoney will be crowned at the Dane County Breakfast on the Farm to be held Saturday, June 14 at Hinchley’s Dairy Farm, 2844 State Road 73, Cambridge, WI. The public is invited to attend the presentation of Mahoney who was selected for this role at the April selection event.
Mahoney is the daughter of Lisa and John Mahoney. She is a graduate of Mount Horeb Area High School and is currently a sophomore at Viterbo University in La Crosse, WI double majoring in Neuroscience and Biochemistry. Post undergraduate education, she would like to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a psychiatrist in the prison system.
Mahoney was a long-time exhibitor of the Dane County Fair for 11 years showing swine and projects in several non-animal departments. She has served as a Superintendent in the Flowers & House Plants and Knitting & Crocheting departments and is currently the Co-Chair of the Cultural Arts Department. Mahoney has also been a member of the Fair’s Youth Committee and assisted the Fair in a variety of duties during Fair week each year.
When Mahoney is not attending school or assisting with the Fair, she spends her time volunteering within the community and at school and is a member of a variety of committees and boards. Mahoney has a passion for being a leader. She has held a variety of leadership positions throughout her life. In High School, Mahoney was the captain of the Varsity Girls Golf team, Class Vice President and Treasurer, Drama Club President, Student Director of Middle School Musical, Choir Board President, and Band Board President. Outside of High School, she held club officer positions and Dane County Youth Ambassador and Board Youth Representative in her 4-H Club (Springdale 4-H) and the Treasurer position in FFA. In college, Mahoney is active as a member of the STEM Club executive board, honors program leadership board, Student Government Association College of Letters, Engineering and Science, Mission Integration Committee, and the Fiber Arts Club Vice President.
“I believe that being Dane County Fairest of the Fair will give me the opportunity to engage in meaningful conversations with people of all different ages and backgrounds. In being Fairest of the Fair, I plan to network within the industry and meet people who have worked hard in their community to make a difference. I plan to highlight causes that I am passionate about, such as ability inclusive agricultural practices, and make them more noticed. I will also encourage youth to become involved in 4-H or another youth organization and the variety of programs they have to offer to enhance their knowledge and relationships that have benefited me throughout the years,” Mahoney stated.
In this role, Mahoney will attend community events promoting the upcoming Dane County Fair, July 17–20 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, carnival rides, and all the best fair foods. Celebrating 175 years, the Dane County Fair will once again be held at the Alliant Energy Center, July 17–20, 2025. For more information, visit www.danecountyfair.com, or our Facebook and Instagram pages.
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