Bios
Vanessa Van Pay
Hello everyone, my name is Vanessa Van Pay, and I am your 2023 Kewaunee County Fairest of the Fair. I am 22 years old. I grew up on my parent’s, Tim and Cindy Van Pay, custom-raised dairy heifer farm in Sugarbush, WI. On the farm where I developed my passion for the agricultural industry. I am currently a student at both Northeast Wisconsin Technical College and the University of Wisconsin River Falls working to earn my degree in Agriculture Education. In the future, I hope to be able to teach high school or middle school agricultural classes and serve as an FFA advisor.
I was an active member of the Pilsen Skylighters 4-H club (10 years) and the Luxemburg – Casco FFA chapter (5 years). I have been an exhibitor at the Kewaunee County Fair for 11 years! In the past, I have exhibited rabbits (6 years), cake decorating (4 years), and dairy cattle (10 years). I have many memories throughout my years of showing at the fair, but my favorite memories were in the dairy barn on barn duty! During barn duty, we would watch over the animals and answer any questions fairgoers had. However, during our non busy times, we would sit together and play games such as UNO. It always made barn duty a lot more fun and the time fly by faster!
I am beyond excited to serve as your Kewaunee County Fairest of the Fair! My favorite part as Fairest has been interacting with youth and community members of Kewaunee County. I love to see how passionate and excited they are about their projects. It has been so much fun traveling and attending different events throughout my time as fairest. I have already learned so much through this opportunity that will benefit me in the future. My goal is to serve as a positive role model for the agricultural industry and the Kewaunee County Community. I would like to thank Jakayla Steinhorst, for being an outstanding Junior Fairest of the Fair! As well as the team of fairest coordinators, fair board members, and everyone who makes the fair possible. I can not wait to see all of you at the 106th annual Kewaunee County Fair!
Jakayla Steinhorst
Hello, my name is Jakayla Steinhorst. I am honored to be your 2023 Kewaunee County Junior Fairest of the Fair. My parents are Matt Kinstetter and Michelle Steinhorst-Kinstetter. I am currently a student in Luxemburg-Casco. I am the Vice President for the Kewaunee Hilltoppers 4-H club. I show Dairy, and Beef at the Kewaunee County Fair. Previously I have also been part of the chicken, and rabbit projects. I am an advocate, and competitor in Rabbit Hopping. I have competed at the Kewaunee County, and Wisconsin State Fair. In 2022 I was awarded Top Trainer in Rabbit Hopping at the Wisconsin State Fair. I have shown dairy since I was four years old, which started right here with the L-C FFA Alumni Kiddie Showmanship. I have shown beef for five years. One of my favorite fair memories of the beef show is with my steer Squeaks. When he was born he was so small, and tiny he couldn’t even moo. Which is how he got his name Squeaks. Squeaks and I had a lot of ups and downs together, training a steer is no easy task. That Thursday of the fair, we walked into the ring Squeaks, and I were both scared. The judge told me to stay in for the Championship Drive. I will never forget the judge walking up to me, and shaking my hand. Right then, I realized what just happened. Tiny little Squeaks was awarded Grand Champion Dairy Steer.
Outside of the fair, I am involved in many activities. I am part of the Luxemburg-Casco Track Team, Luxemburg-Casco Middle School Dance Team, Kali’s School of Dance, Green Bay Pole Vault, Hunting, Archery, Choir, and Band. I am looking forward to joining FFA, and many other agriculture organizations.
Agriculture has always been one of those things I have been passionate about, whether it is on my grandparents dairy, or on our own little farm. I am honored to be the Junior Fairest of the Fair as it will give me another opportunity to advocate, and educate about agriculture. As well as connect with so many amazing individuals in the industry. In the future I plan to pursue a career in the agriculture industry, with a focus in dairy. Growing up on the farm has taught me dedication, hard work, and so many life skills which has shaped me into the person I am today.
I would like to give a special thank you to Kewaunee Fairest of the Fair Vanessa Van Pay. She has been such an amazing leader, and mentor to me on our Fairest journey together. Also a thank you to the fairest coordinators, the fair board, the sponsors, and all the volunteers that make our fair a success year after year. I look forward to meeting you at the 106th Kewaunee County Fair!