Harleigh Carlson of Wisconsin Rapids is the 2024 Wisconsin State Fair Poultry Supreme Exhibitor. The Supreme Exhibitor award is based on a junior exhibitor’s overall achievements at the 2024 Fair. This is determined by points earned participating in the Junior Rabbit show, Quiz contest, Communication contest and Showmanship.
Carlson’s involvement with rabbits began in third grade when a friend convinced her to join 4-H and show rabbits. At the beginning, she started with just one crossbred rabbit. She soon realized she needed a better show rabbit, so she got a second, then a third and so on. The past 11 years, Carlson has been raising and showing rabbits at shows across the state and at ARBA National Convention.
As an exhibitor for the past 6 years, Carlson’s involvement at Wisconsin State Fair includes serving as a resource to younger rabbit exhibitors. Throughout middle school and high school, she had dreamed of becoming a livestock veterinarian. When she found out her allergies stemmed from animals, her career path changed, and she chose to follow in the footsteps of her grandmother. Carlson attended Mid-State Technical College to become an EMT and later went on to become a Paramedic. She plans to gain experience and obtain her critical care endorsement and associates degree to either go into nursing or become a flight paramedic. Her rabbits are still a large part of her life. She continues to raise and show Rhinelanders, English Spots, and Silver Martens. Her role within 4-H has shifted from being a youth leader to now assisting as an adult 4-H leader.
Carlson’s special Wisconsin State Fair memory is from 2019 when she won Best in Show with her bred and owned Tan Junior Doe in addition to Supreme Exhibitor! She said that while she no longer raises Tans, that doe will always hold a special place in her heart.
