Wisconsin Valley Fair relies on volunteers from churches and ministries staffing booths, supporting youth programs and organizations.

Volunteers form the backbone of the Wisconsin Valley Fair, ensuring its smooth operation through essential tasks like managing ticket booths and food stands. Their dedication supports local organizations and youth programs, providing access to entertainment and resources for attendees. This year, the Highland Community Church has maintained the fair’s ticket booth for over three decades, channeling revenue into camp scholarships for youth.
Kristin Bare, the church’s children ministry director, has personally volunteered at the ticket booth for 13 years. She finds joy in seeing the excitement on children’s faces as they enter the fair, simply enjoying the opportunity to serve and contribute to their community’s event. The proceeds from ticket sales directly aid the church’s mission to provide camp experiences, embodying neighbor-love and practical support for families.
Shirley Hein, another long-standing volunteer, manages the Marathon County 4-H potato booth. For more than three decades, she has coordinated efforts with other volunteers to offer baked potatoes with various toppings for $8 each. This initiative has served countless attendees and raises funds crucial for the 4-H youth programs’ diverse activities and scholarships across the county.
Hein expressed hope to sell over 2,000 potatoes this week, continuing the vital funding stream. She noted the increased demand during lunch hours and welcomed anyone willing to help as a valuable addition to their team, highlighting the collaborative spirit required for such community events.
The Wausau Noon Optimist Club contributes significantly through their operation of the popular elephant ear stand and a beer tent. As an international service organization focused on community youth, they staff the booth and encourage young people to participate. This year, one youth group working the stand aims to raise funds for building greenhouses in Nepal, showcasing the club’s commitment to international outreach alongside local support.
Each day shift at the elephant ear stand concludes with the youth group receiving $1,000, empowering them to fund their own community projects. This practice reflects the biblical principle of empowering others to do good, as seen in Galatians 6:10, “So then, as we have opportunity in the situation, let us do good to everyone.” It demonstrates faith in action supporting the local community.
Romey Wagner, the club’s chairperson, has been involved for over a decade. He emphasized the personal satisfaction of serving the community and helping families enjoy the fair. The club’s work aligns with the call to care for others, as described in Matthew 25:35, “For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me.” Their activities provide tangible benefits while fostering connections.
The Optimist beer tent, staffed by club volunteers, has also been a fixture for several years. This year, they are transitioning from kegs to cans, a change driven by the organization itself. The proceeds support the club’s ongoing youth outreach efforts, ensuring that practical service continues to flow into the community, as Hebrews 13:16 reminds us, “Do not forget to do good and to share, for with such sacrifices we must worship.”

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