Forty-two women applied for the position – the highest number in the history of the competition – but only Meghan Buechel was chosen as the Fairest of the Fairs.

The Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, started 53 years ago, represents 75 Wisconsin county, district and state fairs. Buechel will serve a one-year term, and her responsibilities include appearances at fairs and events throughout the state, working with media and promoting the importance of Wisconsin’s fair and agriculture industries.

In addition, she will serve as an ambassador of the 2019 Wisconsin State Fair, Aug. 1-11. Buechel will greet fairgoers and special guests, perform as the master of ceremonies for events, participate in various contests (including the celebrity cream puff eating contest) and represent State Fair during select media appearances.

Buechel, who is 20, studies microbiology at University of Wisconsin – La Crosse, with plans to attend graduate school and become an occupational therapist. She works in the Microbiology Prep Room at the University as a lab assistant and at Gundersen Heath System as a rehabilitation technician. She has volunteered as a physical activity mentor for persons with disabilities and special needs children.

During her years in 4-H and FFA, Buechel exhibited 13 different project types, including both sheep and swine.

"We look forward to welcoming the Fairest of the Fairs to the Wisconsin State Fair staff each year," stated Kathleen O’Leary, CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park. "Meghan demonstrated a true passion for the fair and agriculture industry and rose to the top in a year when we had a record number of young women competing for the honor and responsibility of being Fairest of the Fairs. Congratulations to Meghan and to all of the 2019 contestants."