Post Messenger Recorder -

Five candidates competed for the title of Dane County Fairest of the Fair during the annual selection event held Sunday, April 3. Molly Sarbacker, Belleville, Wisconsin, was crowned 2016 Dane County Fairest of the Fair after completing a four-part interview process.

Sara Griswold, Black Earth, Wisconsin, was named first runner-up, and Alexis O'Connell, Sun Prairie, Wisconsin, was named second runner-up. Other contestants included Jasmine Miller, Dane, Wisconsin, and Jordan Beyler, Oregon, Wisconsin.

"I am really excited to have this opportunity to promote The Dane County Fair," said Sarbacker. "I am most looking forward to the local school visits because I love meeting kids and encouraging them to come to the Fair."

Sarbacker has been involved with The Dane County Fair for the past ten years, serving in volunteer roles, singing on the Youth & Community Stage and exhibiting her project animals. She is also active with her 4-H club, the Mudsliders, where she currently serves as President. 

"For as long as I can remember, I have spent my summers preparing for the Fair and spending an entire week in July at the fairgrounds," said Sarbacker. "Dane County 4-H and The Dane County Fair have done so much for me, and now it's time to give back to them."

As official ambassador of The Dane County Fair, Sarbacker will promote the Fair at local events and make daily appearances during the week of the Fair. She will also have the opportunity to represent Dane County in the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs competition next January.

For more than 160 years, The Dane County Fair has been the family destination for all in the Dane County area. The annual event will be held July 20-24, 2016, at the Alliant Energy Center in Madison, Wisconsin, with the theme of "Blue Ribbon Summer." Visit danecountyfair.com or follow us on Facebook and Twitter (@danecountyfair or #BlueRibbonSummer) for more information.