2026 Alice in Dairyland logo
MARATHON CITY, WI (WSAU-WAOW) – The new Alice in Dairyland will be crowned tonight at the Hilton Garden Inn Rib Mountain
But first candidates were challenged to create products with ginseng for Friday’s showcase event.
“Marathon County is the ginseng capital of the world and we’re really excited to showcase that tonight,” says Julie Bohr, President of Partnership for Progressive Agriculture Finance.
Each candidate created a unique product, from Ginseng-infused lotion to Ginseng peanut butter cups.
All products work to highlight Wisconsin-grown Ginseng and the creativity behind the state’s agriculture industry.
Attendees sampled each creation and voted for their favorites, while candidates reflected on the journey leading up to the final day of competition.
“Mixed emotions of excitement and nervousness and just getting energized to keep going,” says Anastasia Poull, 79th Alice candidate.
“To feel so many months worth of work and growth as an advocate for agriculture come to this culminating moment is really exciting,” says Kelly Herness, 79th Alice candidate.
And for the 6 finalists, becoming the next Alice in Dairyland means more than just earning a title.
It means becoming a voice for Wisconsin agriculture across the entire state.
“Travel all of Wisconsin and just see what’s out there for agriculture and really promote it and connect processors, producers to the consumers,” says Jessica Moor, 79th Alice candidate.
“Getting to represent all of Wisconsin agriculture, not just Marathon County, but continuing to make those connections, continuing being an advocate and continuing to celebrate Wisconsin agriculture,” says Gabrielle Huitema, 79th Alice candidate.
And no matter who is crowned tomorrow night, each candidate says the experience itself has already been rewarding.
“I really enjoyed working with everyone here,” says Faith Baerwolf, 79th Alice candidate.
“I am truly grateful to be a top candidate and no matter who gets selected I will continue to use my storytelling skills to help amplify Wisconsin’s agriculture community,” says Michelle Stangler, 79th Alice candidate.
The final selection and crowning of the 79th Alice in Dairyland will take place tomorrow evening at the Hilton Garden Inn in Wausau.
“Come down and tune in for the Facebook Live tomorrow, Saturday May 16th, for the final program and the crowning of the 79th Alice in Dairyland,” says Baerwolf.
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