98th Annual Winnebago County Fair – Fair Person of the Year

2019 FAIR PERSON OF THE YEAR
Karl Heeren
The Winnebago County Fair Association Board of Directors is pleased to honor Karl Heeren as the 2019 Fair Person of the Year. During the fair, Karl can always be found enjoying the tractor pulls, checking out the antique tractors and supporting the 4-H livestock auction. Karl grew up on a farm west of Winnebago and showed his first 4-H steer at the age of 10 and then a colt the following year. In 1956, he bought his own farm just down the road from his childhood home where he raised his children who were also active 4-H members.
For nearly 70 years, Karl farmed up to 4000 acres each year, raised cattle and sheep, and started his own trucking company in 1954. He served for 12 years on the Farm Services board which included several years as the chairman and 12 years on the Winnebago School board being president for the last 4 years of his term. Karl has traveled to several countries and often included visits with the local farmers, continuing to learn and share friendships around the globe from Europe to New Zealand and most recently, Cuba. Today he farms about 2000 acres, has downsized his livestock to 2 donkeys and helps his children and grandchildren whenever needed.
The leadership of people like Karl Heeren helps keep the agricultural life and fair as assets in our county. We truly respect Karl for the many years of service and dedication he has given to the people of Winnebago County.