You never know who you will meet at the Fair

By Anne Eickstadt

ANNE EICKSTADT PHOTO Belvidere Daily Republican
From left to right: Dr. Dan Woestman; assistant principal Jim Sheridan of Washington Academy; Sarah Brenner, principal of Washington Academy; and Jenny Seykora, assistant principal at Washington Academy

Editor

While wandering the Boone County Fairgrounds, one can meet people from all over the county and surrounding areas. I spotted friends from McHenry County as well as business owners and public servants from across Boone County. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the Fair, here is what a few of them had to say:

Dr. Dan Woestman – Belvidere School District 100

“This year we are really pushing our personalized learning strategies in order to create more individualized experiences for the kids,” said Dr. Dan Woestman, superintendent of Belvidere School District 100. “A big part of our push is making sure we have time to address the social needs of our kids.

“We are one of 16 districts in the state that received a waiver to run a competency program at high schools. The kids can get credit for what they know and learn outside of school.

“This last year, we were certified nationally as a great place to work.

“The Belvidere community loves their schools. We always have so much support from the community, not just the families. We are really grateful for the support.”

Chief Dan Hulett – Boone County Fire District #2

I found Chief Hulett serving donuts to Boone County Fair visitors at the justly popular Fire District #2 donut booth.

“If you want to talk to the guy in charge here, it’s Bob Hauser here,” Chief Hulett said.

“All of the money we make here goes to buying tools to help the people in our district,” said Hauser. “We are trying to lessen their tax burden.

“We sell over 90,000 donuts each year during Fair week. We start making them at 2 a.m. and keep making them until 9 p.m. for the six days of the Fair. The booth is staffed by volunteers, friends, and family. Most of us are married and our wives do it. I don’t know why they do it, but they do.

“It’s a lot of fun, it really is. We get to meet a lot of people in a social circumstance

and not just at tragic incidents.”

Celeste Dal Pra brings iconic Dari Ripple to the Fair

“This is our first year at the Fair. This is a year of firsts for me,” Celeste said. “It is my first year of hands-on operation at the Dari Ripple. We introduced Dole Whips at Dari Ripple and they have been a really big seller and, now, we have brought it to the Fair where we are also serving broasted chicken.“

“A Dole Whip is a nondairy, Dole pineapple or strawberry whip. We have other flavors than strawberry, but we will always have the pineapple. It’s a big deal at Disney. It’s very popular.

“We have also introduced Roll N Donuts…

For complete article, pick up the Aug. 15 BDR.