Congratulations to the 2025 Dane County Fairest of the Fair, Gwendolyn (Gwen) Mahoney of Mount Horeb. Mahoney will be crowned at Breakfast on the Farm on June 14 at Hinchley’s Dairy Farm in Cambridge.
Mahoney is the daughter of Lisa and John Mahoney. She is currently a sophomore at Viterbo University in La Crosse, double majoring in neuroscience and biochemistry. She would like to attend medical school in hopes of becoming a psychiatrist in the prison system.
Mahoney was an exhibitor at 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. Mahoney is currently the co-chair of the cultural arts department. Mahoney has also been a member of the fair’s youth committee. When she has free time, Mahoney volunteers within the community. In college, Mahoney is active in the STEM club, honors program, student government association, and the fiber arts club, among others.
“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,” she says. “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.”
Mahoney says she plans to highlight causes she’s passionate about, such as ability-inclusive agricultural practices.
“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,” she says.
In this role, Mahoney will attend community events promoting the upcoming Dane County Fair, July 17–20. She will make daily appearances at the fair. 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 be at the Alliant Energy Center July 17–20.
Learn more: www.danecountyfair.com
