Even as Halei Heinzel turns over her crown as Alice in Dairyland next week in Crawford County, you will still find people proud that her reign began in Door County. Last year, the Oconomowoc native secured her title as the 77th Alice in Dairyland after touring Door County as a finalist for nearly a week ahead of the Saturday finale. As the finals host in 2024, Door County received an up-close view of its agricultural roots as the 76th Alice in Dairyland, Ashley Hagenow, made monthly visits to the peninsula during her reign. Chairing the efforts to bring the Alice in Dairyland Finals to Door County was Door County Farm Bureau Board Member Denise Plassmeyer, who says the area became stronger and more connected agriculturally because of the experience of hosting Hagenow and crowning Heinzel.

Plassmeyer adds that she has been like a proud mom watching Heinzel and the other candidates accomplish so much post-Alice in Dairyland Finals.

Heinzel's last official event as Alice in Dairyland will be right where it started when she attends the Sevastopol FFA Dairy Breakfast in July. Allison Foster, Michelle Stangler, Mikayla Flyte, Natalie Roe, Olivia Lulich, and Sarah Hagenow are all vying for the 78th Alice in Dairyland role. The 78th Alice in Dairyland selection will be announced at a public event on May 17th at the Performing Arts Center in Prairie du Chien. Alice in Dairyland is a one-year, full-time communications professional for the Wisconsin Department of Agriculture, Trade, and Consumer Protection. Several partner organizations support the Alice in Dairyland program.