Marathon County 4-H Dog Project

Bella Zastrow and Dash had an exceptional showing at the State 4-H Dog Show. They were first with a 198 out of 200 in obedience, second in rally, and second in showmanship! Congratulations for representing Marathon County and Athens Acres 4-H!

Send a message to learn more

In my opinion, the Dog Project members are simply amazing and show great kindness! After the WI Valley and Athens Fairs, I received so many words of gratitude! You make me so proud of what wonderful people you are! Thanks for being so awesome!!

Send a message to learn more

Reminder: If you showed Dog at the fair, you may remove your picture today from the poster displayed in East Gate Hall. The poster is hanging on the backside of displays near the ramp leading to the glad show.

Congratulations to the handlers who exhibited their dog entries in the 2025 Wisconsin Valley Fair Dog Department! Our sincere appreciation goes to Emily Ross for judging this year's show.

Special Recognition goes out to the following entries receiving 1st Blues, Jesse & Wheeler (Rally Obedience-Excellent), Alexa & Comet (Rally Obedience-Advanced), Jayden & Oak (Rally Obedience-Intermediate), Bella & Dash (Rally Obedience-Novice & Rally Overall High Point); Sohvi & Hank (Beginner PreNovice A Junior), Jordan & Dobbie (Beginner PreNovice B, Kaitlyn & Jazmine (PreNovice A Junior), Sophia & Rosco (PreNovice A Senior), Bella & Dash (Pre-Novice B & Obedience Overall High Point), Jayden & Oak/Reese (PreNovice Brace), Ali & Max (Novice), Alexa & Comet (Graduate Novice), Jayden & Oak (PreOpen), Olivia & Reyna (Showmanship Champion & Best Handler), Bella & Dash (Showmanship Senior), Ali & Max (Showmanship Intermediate), Charlie & Dixie (Showmanship Beginner), Avery & TatorTot (Showmanship Explorer).

Thank you to all the exhibitors and their families. You and your family dog make the show an exhibit worth watching.

Thank you to Tommy Docks, who again provided sponsorship for our trophies.

Thank you to the fair office staff who kindly help with copies, and answer questions and concerns, and park staff who help provide our show space.

And I cannot express enough gratitude to those volunteers who help with preparations, assisting with the show, and for the take down after the show. . . transporting and laying out the mats and then the reverse, assembling and disassembling the gating, setting ring equipment, providing access control to the floor during the show and lining up handlers for every ring event, score sheet and judge assistants. It takes a team and you showed up. This list may miss a name, certainly not my intent. Thank you to Rachel, Patty, Sharon, Randy, Andrew, Jacob, Allison, David, Phyllis, Genevieve, Sam, Jayden, Jesse, Mike, and Kristin. (Lorraine, WVF Dog Department Superintendent)

Note: The poster displayed in this post can be found in the East Gate Exhibit Hall. On Sunday, when exhibits are released, youth participants may remove their picture to take home.

Pre-Fair Dog Class
Date: Thursday, July 24, 2025 4:30 – 8:15 p.m.
Where: Judging Pavilion on the Wisconsin Valley Fairgrounds
We will also be taking your picture with your dog to display at the fair.
Weather permitting, he show ring will be set up for exhibitors/dogs to experience the feel of the ring with mats. We will try to stay within the following time frames. Obedience Ring time is available on first come basis. With good weather, a Rally Course will be set up for outside in the grass between the barns.
> Obedience: 4:30 – 7:00 – (no treats)
> Showmanship Groups: 7:00-8:15 p.m. (treating allowed)
> Additional time may be used following showmanship time.

It’s going to be good outside weather.

4-H Dog Training tonight. Hopefully the rain will hold back during our class times of 6:00 and 7:00.

Dog Class tonight at 6 and 7. The early class will focus on obedience and the later will focus on showmanship. Guarantee rain so use judgement if bringing your dog along. When leading your dog inside the building, please have it under control. Do not rush your dog into the building. Once inside, move away from the door. Remember. No dogs should be Nose to Nose. Also tonight’s live distraction is a squirrel in the rafters.

Marathon County 4-H dog project members were sent the project booklet through their eMail listed with the 4-H program. If you did not receive the email, please verify the email you have listed, or verify that you are enrolled in the dog project. Our 1st Thursday night class will be June 12.

Send a message to learn more

6:00 Marathon County 4-H Dog Meeting tonight. We are getting ready for you at the Conference Center at 1100 Lake View Drive. Please park in either lot E or F. Then enter door #31.