Overton's Paige Walahoski wins Elite Showmanship Contest at Dawson County Fair
The Dawson County Elite Showmanship Contest took place following the completion of the 2026 County Fair livestock shows Saturday, July 18.
Winning first place and a belt buckle was Paige Walkahoski, daughter of Jared and Kris Walahoski of Overton.
She also earned other prizes donated from the Elite Showmanship Contest sponsors.
Finishing in second place was Jaelin Wolfinger, daughter of Jake and Janice Wolfinger of Lexington. Jaelin also received a belt buckle and some other prizes.
The top senior showmanship contestants from the feeder calf, beef, goat, sheep, and swine shows along with three wild card showmen came together to determine an elite showman.
All eight contestants took a livestock knowledge test and then had their showmanship skills with swine, sheep, goat, and beef, evaluated by judge Bailey Hinrichs, a livestock judge from Ayr.
The contestants were: Paige Walahoski, Megan Lassen, Overton; Matthew Rhoades, Cozad; Samual Winter, Cozad; Abby Negley, Gothenburg; Aleigha Negley, Gothenburg; and Jaelin Wolfinger, Bristol McConville, Lexington.
All eight contestants received prizes donated by the Elite Showmanship Contest sponsors.
The 4-H’ers who participated on the meats, quiz bowl, and livestock judging teams at the Premier Animal Science Event held in June were recognized.
Hinrichs commented on the quality of the competition, and the depth of knowledge they have about livestock and the livestock industry.
Elite Showman Committee members were Taryn Vonderschmidt, Farnam; Paul and Shannon Peterson, of Gothenburg, and Derek McConville, Lexington.
Sponsors included: Maline Seed & Fence, Beattie Family Farms, Peak Performance Nutrition Plus, LLC, Andersen Ag Services, Inc., K Farms, Eastside Animal Center, Tyson Foods, Paulsen Inc., Dayspring Bank, Farm Credit Services of America, Laird Feed, Homestead Bank, Overton Veterinary Services, Busy Bones Butcher, LLC, Platte Valley Auto, Roberts Cattle Company, Country Partners, Darr Feedlot, HAR, The Home Agency, Animal Health International and Waypoint Bank.


