The Truth Booth

Johnny joins us again this year. He is now a sixth grader, and he shares the many exciting things he’s been up to since last year’s fair, like his involvement in the marching band as a trumpet player, his performances in parades and upcoming band gigs in different cities. He also discusses his musical involvement in plays like ‘A Pirate’s Life for Me’ and ‘Wrang...

Parker is our previous interviewee Jackson’s younger sibling, who also enjoys various sports such as basketball, football, and track, just like his brother. He looks forward to riding big rides, playing games to win prizes – like fish by throwing ping-pong balls into a cup – and indulging in fair food like cheese curds. Parker also shares a competitive spirit in sports with Jackson, especial...

The interview features a conversation with Jackson, a 6th-grade student who resides in Rib Mountain. Jackson talks about playing football, basketball, and track, with football being his favorite sport. He enjoys being a running back. His father coaches football and track at Newman high school. Jackson likes to visit the fair to see animals, play games, and potentially win prizes. He and his family...

The interview at the Wisconsin Valley Fair with Christopher Harper from Wausau delves into his favorite activities in the area, such as going to the library to download music and going on bike rides. Christopher expresses an interest in pursuing studies in authoring or fashion design, showcasing his creativity. He mentions the tradition of painted rocks, known as Wasa rocks, as a hidden gem in Wau...

Bailey Winkler, a resident of Stratford, Wisconsin, joins us again to discuss this year’s show. She’s expanded her repertoire to include mini rex rabbits in addition to pigs, with potential plans for adding sheep somewhere down the line. She’s a member of the Weed Wildcats 4H club and talks about the rewarding experience of showcasing animals, interacting with people during these...

The interview with Saad from Titan International Knives at the Wisconsin Valley Fair reveals insights into the business’s operations, including crafting high-carbon and Damascus steel knives. Saad mentions the family-owned nature of the business, its clientele in retail and hunting spaces, and the process for custom orders. He discusses unique projects like Game of Thrones and Alita-inspired...

Jonathan shared a chilling tale from his teenage years. His story, set in the woods between Wausau and Antigo, blends eerie violin music, a coyote attack, and a mysterious deer-like creature, offering a glimpse into the area’s folklore. Beyond his supernatural experience, Jonathan reflected on Wausau’s evolution, noting both challenges and positive changes. He praised the community&#82...

Janice, a resident of Schofield, reflects on her experiences growing up in the area and attending the fair over the years. She nostalgically recalls the changes she has witnessed in the community, from the disappointment of the grandstand modifications at the fair to the closure of the downtown mall. Janice shares her love for fair food, particularly favoring ‘monkey tails,’ and highli...

At the heart of the Wisconsin Valley Fair, we caught up with Nicole, a true Wausau native who embodies the spirit of this vibrant community. With a contagious enthusiasm, Nicole painted a picture of a city rich in recreational opportunities, from picturesque parks to lively events like the Wausau Cyclones and 400 Block Concerts on the Square. A fair-goer since childhood, she’s witnessed the...

Local teen Erin Fehl shared her love for Wausau, her hometown of 16 years. An avid ice hockey player with the Central Wisconsin Storm, Erin values the friendships and family bonds forged through the sport. As the youngest of four siblings, she cherishes the daily interactions with her teammates and sisters. Currently in 11th grade, Erin has no plans to pursue hockey professionally, citing its inte...

We met Lindsay Moses, who lived on the West Coast before moving to Wausau and fully embracing life here. This bright-eyed soon-to-be UW-Madison freshman shared her love for her adopted hometown, praising its natural beauty and abundance of outdoor activities. Lindsay’s enthusiasm for Wausau’s quieter charms, like early morning visits to Rib Mountain, shines through as she prepares for...

At the Wisconsin Valley Fair, we caught up with Reagan, who is originally from Minnesota and has been calling Wausau home for 11 years. This vibrant high school student embodies the active lifestyle that Wausau offers. From competitive dancing in various styles to playing hockey and water skiing, Reagan’s calendar is packed year-round. She praises Wausau’s tight-knit community, highlig...

Wausau's newly minted Mayor Doug Diny stopped by the Truth Booth and shared his enthusiasm for the city he now leads in a candid conversation at the fair. Just over 100 days into his role, Diny, a Green Bay native and U.S. Army Veteran, speaks fondly of Wausau's charm and potential. He praises the local culinary scene, highlighting Ciao restaurant and its award-winning chef. Mayor Diny's love for...

AtwoodFest attendee Tracy Goll is a native Madisonian with a passion for community service. As the long-time leader of Horizon High School, a recovery school for teens, Tracy embodies the city's spirit of compassion and resilience. Her insights into Madison's growth and the challenges faced post-COVID highlight the city's adaptability. Tracy's enthusiasm for local events like AtwoodFest, now in it...

At the vibrant Atwood Fest, we caught up with Kevin Pomeroy, a passionate political activist with a refreshing approach to bridging divides. With 50 years of Democratic loyalty under his belt, Kevin's journey from Iowa to Madison is a tapestry of Midwest values and evolving political landscapes. His mission? To connect with voters one story at a time, drawing from personal anecdotes and family his...

We caught up with Diane Michalski-Turner, a local dynamo with a passion for community wellbeing, during the second day of AtwoodFest 2024. By day, Diane works with Age Better, spearheading a crucial fall prevention program for seniors. Her expertise shines as she describes their comprehensive home safety assessments, a testament to Madison's commitment to elder care. But Diane's zest for life does...

Chao was our booth neighbor at this year's AtwoodFest, which meant that we enjoyed the mouthwatering aromas coming from Kia's Kitchen all weekend long. This family-run venture, born from Chao's mother's lifelong culinary passion, is making waves in local farmers markets and festivals with its irresistible Asian-inspired fare. From crispy egg rolls to savory potato pockets (which he graciously shar...

Carol Weidel, a Philadelphia native turned Madisonian of 49 years, is a retired state research analyst. She stopped by to chat and share her love for the city's cultural richness, attributing it to the unique blend of capitol and university influences. She painted a vivid picture of Madison's east-west divide, a rivalry that she characterized as more friendly than anything. Carol's expertise in da...

We met Brogan selling lemonade and kettle corn in the Sugar River Kettle Corn booth at AtwoodFest this year. We managed to convince her to come in to share a captivating tale from her time in Costa Rica. It turns out that while attending massage therapy school, Brogan experienced the magical phenomenon of bioluminescence during a midnight skinny dip. The adventure took an unexpected turn when misc...

In a vibrant encounter at AtwoodFest on July 28, local resident and former restaurateur Barbara Wright shared a fascinating story of her impact on a Madison progressive radio station. From an unexpected moment of infamy during the Bush era to spearheading a grassroots movement to save the beloved station, Barbara's story highlights the enduring power of radio in shaping community discourse. Now fo...

Skyler Walley enjoys the animals and food at the fair, has lived in the area for 38 years, loves the city's museums and nature, and encourages newcomers to engage in local activities.

Samantha Sanders enjoys returning to her family's farm in Central Wisconsin, appreciating the countryside and reconnecting with friends. She identifies education as a key area for national improvement.

Oz Eckandt shares his enjoyment of the Central Valley Fair's food and appreciates the quiet, less crowded living environment in his area.

Diana and Henry Wendler share their enjoyment of local amenities in Wausau, highlighting their favorite aspects such as the availability of water parks and roller coasters, as well as the convenience of unlimited ride passes. They also express a fondness for the selection of coffee shops and the unique prairie dog parades in the area.

Baylee Winkler, originally from Stratford, discusses her participation in the fair's 4-H showing pigs, a venture aimed at funding a trip to Washington, D.C. She describes the experience as both scary and fun, offering a glimpse into the challenges and joys of livestock showing. Baylee's story highlights the fair's role in providing unique opportunities for young individuals to engage in community...