Outstanding Recognition

176th Walworth County Fair

Each year, the Walworth County Fair recognizes outstanding members from both Walworth County and the Walworth County Fair communities.

CONGRATULATIONS to the following, who will be honored at the 2025 Walworth County Fair at the Opening Ceremony Wednesday, August 27th at 10:00 AM at Peggy's Park Stage.

2025 Honorary Fair Marshals

Mr. Mike McKay, Honorary Marshal

Mike is semi-retired from owning and operating a construction business, pipeline construction and manufacturing in Chicago and Woodstock. In 2015, Mike was volunteering at Farm Tech Days in Walworth County when he met Fair Board President Dave Adams. Mike asked if there was anything he could do to help the Fairgrounds. Mike just showed up one day with a four-wheeler, buckets and trash grabbers and went to work. Mike has been volunteering here for nine years picking up litter and sharing his cheerful spirit with anyone looking like they need a lift. Mike is a volunteer in the truest sense.

Mr. Eli Nieuwenhuis, Honorary Marshal

Eli was born and raised in Delavan, first on a family farm then moved to the city at age 10. He enjoyed the fair as a teen-his favorite activity being The Nickel Toss game. His first meetup with his wife Char was ironically at the WalCo Fair. They shared a ride in the spook house. Elie purchased Nieuwenhuis Bros. Disposal company from his Father and Uncle in 1981. He ran this family business with his brother Pete and his cousin Bob. They picked up refuse at the WalCo Fair from more than 30 years. During that time he supported 4-H youth by purchasing pigs and cattle at the Meat Animal sale. The business was sold in 2023.
Eli and Char are currently enjoying retirement. They have four children and five grandchildren.

Friends of the Fair

Walworth County FFA & FFA Alumni

2025 Friends of the Fair

Established in 1976, the Elkhorn FFA Alumni & Supporters brings together people from all backgrounds who have a common goal: to support the Elkhorn FFA, our Agriculture Education Teachers, and agriculture education throughout the Elkhorn Area School District. The members donate their time, share their talents, are generous with their treasures, and advocate with their testimony. For more than 40 years they have run a food stand at the Elkhorn Antique Flea Market, and in recent years have held food stands at other events in the community and at the Walworth County Fairgrounds. Elkhorn FFA Alumni & Supporters have also worked with other FFA and FFA Alumni Chapters in Walworth County to do collaborative fundraising through food stands at events at the Fairgrounds. By investing in students, educators, and the community, the Elkhorn FFA Alumni & Supporters believe in the future of agriculture and in the next generation of leaders.

David & Amy Kruse

2025 Friends of the Fair

Amy and David Kruse have been residents of Elkhorn since their arrival as agricultural instructors in 1995 and 1996. You may have seen them in various roles at the Walworth County Fair during the past 30 years: FFA advisors, junior sheep superintendent/assistant, sheep & beef carcass results host, meat animal sale volunteers, Ribfest parking crew, and other various roles throughout the years. You may have also seen them in our community as they have helped coordinate various community programs through the Elkhorn FFA chapter. They are lifetime local, state, and national FFA Alumni & Supporters members.

Amy is currently an Elkhorn School District kindergarten teacher and David continues his role as an agriculture instructor/FFA advisor at Elkhorn Area High School. They are the parents of three children: Emily, Brevin, and Macie - all of which have experienced the joys of the Walworth County fair as visitors, exhibitors, and volunteers.

Outstanding Non-Livestock & Livestock Exhibitors

Stephanie Slater, Non-Livestock Exhibitor

Stephanie Slater is a lifelong Walworth County resident who grew up in Elkhorn 4-H and FFA. After returning to the fair in 2018 with a few jars of preserves, she’s been hooked—exhibiting honey, beeswax, preserves, herbs, and arts & crafts every year. Always up for a challenge, she tries something new each fair and inspires others to join in, leading the Walworth County Beekeepers Association in sponsoring youth and open class honey entries.

Jerry & Marleen Siegler Livestock Exhibitors

Jerry began showing dairy cattle with the Bloomfield 4-H club before switching to beef cattle in high school with the Badger FFA. He housed his steers at the neighbor’s barn, where Marleen also began showing beef cattle—leading to love, marriage, and a lifelong partnership. Today, Jerry and Marleen work at PATS Services and live in Lyons Township, where they’ve grown their farmstead to about 100 cattle with the help of their children Jeremie (Morgan), Dakota (Jenna), Savannah, and their grandchildren Cash, Ryder, and Harvest. The Walworth County Fair has long been a cherished family tradition, often serving as their family vacation and a place for countless memories showing beef cattle. Jerry and Marleen remain active in the junior beef project as committee members, district leaders, and steak cookout volunteers. Marleen also serves as open beef superintendent and on the Meat Animal Sale Committee. The Fair continues to be a beloved part of their lives.

Outstanding Fair Vendor

Country Side Trees

Glen and Becky started Country Side Trees in 1985, a cut
your own Christmas tree farm originally out of their
garage in Walworth. Glen started planting trees and
learning about Christmas tree farming from a family
friend when he was in high school. They grew the
business over the years while Glen worked as an airline
mechanic. They have had a booth at the Walworth
County Fair every year since 1992 to advertise Country
Side Trees. Glen and Becky are still growing Christmas
trees with the help of their 2 daughters and their
families. Country Side Trees in now a 70 acre tree farm
open mid-November through Christmas eve for cut your
own Christmas trees, fresh cut trees, wreaths, garland,
and a holiday shop. In 2001 they started raising Elk on
the farm and in 2011 it lead to a new business CST
Antlers. We sell the Elk antlers for dog bones.
Glen was a member of 4-H and FFA and showed at the
fair during those years.

Outstanding Senior Citizen

Mr. Jim Henriott, Elkhorn

2025 Outstanding Senior Citizen
Jim Henriott, of Elkhorn is nominated by Diane Bustamante. A dedicated coach, mentor, and community leader, Jim served as Head Girls Basketball Coach at Elkhorn High School for many years, guiding his team to a State Championship and investing countless hours in the success of his players. He also worked for the Walworth County Sheriff’s Department in Corrections, sharing his expertise to train and support fellow officers. Jim served as the Walworth County Fair Swine Superintendent for eight years, growing the program to its fullest potential and ensuring youth had every opportunity to excel. His volunteer service includes the Big Sis Girls Basketball Program, Midwest Athletes Against Childhood Cancer, coaching recreational girls’ softball and soccer, Relay for Life, the Elkhorn Police and Fire Commissioners Board, and as a and as a Walworth County 4-H volunteer. Through his leadership, dedication, and heart for youth, Jim has left a lasting impact.

Mr. Ronald Grair, Delavan

Ronald Grair of Delavan is nominated by Leonard Hahn. A retired tool and die maker, Ron has dedicated over 44 years to the fire service, serving as Lieutenant, Captain, and in nearly every role within the department. He served the township from 1972–1979 and continues today as a Fire Inspector. A proud Army Signal Corps veteran, Ron is deeply involved in the American Legion, serving on the executive committee and volunteering in numerous events, including the Honor Guard, Activity Committee, Bingo, Fish Fry, and Christmas Dinner. His commitment to the Walworth County Fair spans many years—working in the Antique Barn, driving the taxi service, and participating in the Opening Ceremony as part of the Military Honor Guard. A former Delavan-Darien School Board member, active with the Delavan Recreation Department, and a cancer survivor, Ron’s life reflects steadfast service, community pride, and dedication to others.