Johnny joins us again this year. He is now a sixth grader, and he shares the many exciting things he’s been up to since last year’s fair, like his involvement in the marching band as a trumpet player, his performances in parades and upcoming band gigs in different cities. He also discusses his musical involvement in plays like ‘A Pirate’s Life for Me’ and ‘Wrangler Ranch,’ where he plays roles such as Bluebeard the pirate and a cowboy, highlighting his diverse talents in both music and acting. Johnny’s enthusiasm for music, marching band acrobatics, and upcoming activities like concerts demonstrate his passion and dedication to his artistic pursuits.

Parker is our previous interviewee Jackson’s younger sibling, who also enjoys various sports such as basketball, football, and track, just like his brother. He looks forward to riding big rides, playing games to win prizes – like fish by throwing ping-pong balls into a cup – and indulging in fair food like cheese curds. Parker also shares a competitive spirit in sports with Jackson, especially track, where he claims to be faster than his brother. Overall, he embodies an athletic and fun-loving persona at the fair, engaging in exciting activities and relishing delicious fair treats.

The interview features a conversation with Jackson, a 6th-grade student who resides in Rib Mountain. Jackson talks about playing football, basketball, and track, with football being his favorite sport. He enjoys being a running back. His father coaches football and track at Newman high school. Jackson likes to visit the fair to see animals, play games, and potentially win prizes. He and his family may also attend the rodeo over the weekend.

The interview at the Wisconsin Valley Fair with Christopher Harper from Wausau delves into his favorite activities in the area, such as going to the library to download music and going on bike rides. Christopher expresses an interest in pursuing studies in authoring or fashion design, showcasing his creativity. He mentions the tradition of painted rocks, known as Wasa rocks, as a hidden gem in Wausau, sharing insights into local culture and activities. Overall, the conversation provides a glimpse into Christopher’s life and interests in Wausau, painting a picture of a creative individual with diverse passions.

Bailey Winkler, a resident of Stratford, Wisconsin, joins us again to discuss this year’s show. She’s expanded her repertoire to include mini rex rabbits in addition to pigs, with potential plans for adding sheep somewhere down the line. She’s a member of the Weed Wildcats 4H club and talks about the rewarding experience of showcasing animals, interacting with people during these events, and her passion for animal husbandry. Bailey tells us about her future goal of owning a diverse farm with various animals, speaking to her deep love for raising animals and farming, and how she enjoys keeping time-honored fair traditions alive while forging her own path in animal care and showmanship.

The interview with Saad from Titan International Knives at the Wisconsin Valley Fair reveals insights into the business’s operations, including crafting high-carbon and Damascus steel knives. Saad mentions the family-owned nature of the business, its clientele in retail and hunting spaces, and the process for custom orders. He discusses unique projects like Game of Thrones and Alita-inspired swords, highlighting the craftsmanship and customization involved. Saad also shares details about his background in Verona, Wisconsin, and his role in the workshop’s production process.

Jonathan shared a chilling tale from his teenage years. His story, set in the woods between Wausau and Antigo, blends eerie violin music, a coyote attack, and a mysterious deer-like creature, offering a glimpse into the area’s folklore. Beyond his supernatural experience, Jonathan reflected on Wausau’s evolution, noting both challenges and positive changes. He praised the community’s commitment to science education for youth, envisioning a tech-savvy future. Jonathan’s narrative paints a vivid picture of Wausau’s blend of small-town mystery and forward-thinking progress, capturing the essence of this intriguing Midwestern city.

Janice, a resident of Schofield, reflects on her experiences growing up in the area and attending the fair over the years. She nostalgically recalls the changes she has witnessed in the community, from the disappointment of the grandstand modifications at the fair to the closure of the downtown mall. Janice shares her love for fair food, particularly favoring ‘monkey tails,’ and highlights her enjoyment of watching people. As a retired retail worker, she appreciates the community aspect of her work and shares her contentment with living in central Wisconsin. Janice fondly talks about her family, including her son, grandsons, and husband, while also expressing her love for the beauty of fall in the region.

At the heart of the Wisconsin Valley Fair, we caught up with Nicole, a true Wausau native who embodies the spirit of this vibrant community. With a contagious enthusiasm, Nicole painted a picture of a city rich in recreational opportunities, from picturesque parks to lively events like the Wausau Cyclones and 400 Block Concerts on the Square. A fair-goer since childhood, she’s witnessed the event’s growth and remains captivated by its country music concerts. Nicole’s local insights extended to her appreciation for WXCO’s high school sports coverage. As our chat concluded, she revealed her ultimate fair indulgence – the irresistible Elephant ears, a classic treat that keeps fairgoers coming back year after year.

Local teen Erin Fehl shared her love for Wausau, her hometown of 16 years. An avid ice hockey player with the Central Wisconsin Storm, Erin values the friendships and family bonds forged through the sport. As the youngest of four siblings, she cherishes the daily interactions with her teammates and sisters. Currently in 11th grade, Erin has no plans to pursue hockey professionally, citing its intensity. At the fair, she’s drawn to the thrilling rides and games, with a particular fondness for the Ferris wheel. When it comes to fair food, Erin’s torn between the classic elephant ear and Wisconsin’s beloved cheese curds.