Sandra Lee Honors 9-Year-Old Pig Showwoman Who Became Wisconsin State Fair CEO: ‘I Have the Best Job’
A childhood spent showing pigs inspired Shari Black's remarkable journey to fair chief—here she shares her story in our 'Fair'est of Them All' series with celebrity chef Sandra Lee
Key Takeaways
- Shari Black went from a 9-year-old 4-H participant to the CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park.
- She balanced motherhood while raising three kids who grew up showing pigs at the fair.
- Shari is the first modern CEO of the fair to have previously competed as an exhibitor.
After growing up showing pigs at the Waukesha County Fair and dreaming of being crowned the “Fairest of the Fair,” Shari Black turned her childhood passion into a prolific career — eventually becoming CEO of the Wisconsin State Fair Park and introducing a new generation to family fair joy. Here, she shares her story for Woman’s World’s “Fair’est of Them All” special series with celebrity chef Sandra Lee.
One day, I want to be just like them, Shari Black remembers thinking as she watched the “Fairest of the Fair” ambassadors hand out the blue ribbons at the Waukesha County Fair when she was 9 years old.
Growing up in southeastern Wisconsin, Shari’s family had deep roots in the fair community. Her paternal grandmother started the first 4-H Club in New Berlin and her father participated in the Waukesha County Fair before passing the tradition on to Shari.
For Shari, the fair wasn’t just a summer event — it was where she grew up.
Each year, she spent countless hours caring for livestock, preparing projects and connecting with fellow exhibitors. Raising pigs taught her lessons that would shape her future in how to run a business. The fair also introduced her to friends from across the state, many of whom remain close to this day.
Then, in 1997, one of Shari’s biggest dreams came true: She was crowned Fairest of the Fair at 19.
Having always admired the young women who served in the role before her, Shari embraced the opportunity to represent the fair she loved. The experience strengthened her public-speaking skills and deepened her passion for agriculture and community. The following year, she was named first runner-up and Miss Congeniality at the statewide Fairest of the Fairs competition.
Without realizing it, Shari was already preparing for a wonderful future she could never have imagined.
A fair-sized opportunity
At just 23 years old, Shari was offered the position of Executive Director of the Waukesha County Fair.
Many people her age were still figuring out their career paths, but Shari already knew where she belonged.
For the next 15 years, she helped lead the fair that had shaped her life and the role allowed her to balance two of her greatest priorities: family and fair.
Shari became a mother of three and was able to bring her children to work with her during the fair season and work from home during much of the off-season. Before long, a whole new generation of the family was creating fair memories of their own.
One of Shari’s greatest joys was watching her children continue the tradition of showing pigs and participating in livestock auctions. Seeing them succeed in the show ring and enter projects in cultural arts became some of her favorite fair memories.
Carrying the tradition forward
In 2016, a position opened up at the Wisconsin State Fair Park as Director of Event Services, overseeing programs for both the State Fair and year-round events. Although bittersweet, Shari decided to leave the Waukesha County Fair and take the position.
Three years later, she was promoted to Chief Programs Officer, expanding her leadership responsibilities to include agriculture, entertainment, competitive exhibits and vendor programming.
Then, in 2021, she was named Interim CEO and Executive Director of Wisconsin State Fair Park before earning the official title in March 2022.
Today, more than a million guests attend the Wisconsin State Fair to celebrate the state’s rich agricultural heritage while creating lasting memories.
This year marks the fair’s 175th anniversary, running August 6 – August 16. The theme, “Showing Off Wisconsin,” honors the state’s proud heritage and traditions that have connected fairgoers for generations.
Among those traditions is the Wisconsin State Fair’s most famous treat — the Original Cream Puff. First introduced more than a century ago, the dessert will celebrate its 102nd year in 2026 with more than 350,000 cream puffs enjoyed during each fair.
Creating treasured memories
For Shari, the fair’s greatest success isn’t measured by attendance numbers or even by the beloved annual traditions.
It’s measured by the memories each family creates together.
She takes pride in creating opportunities for exhibitors to excel while ensuring fairgoers have a safe place to gather.
Looking back, Shari is grateful for the lessons, friendships and opportunities that began with a young girl showing pigs at her county fair.
Today, Shari remains the first CEO in modern history to have been an exhibitor at the Wisconsin State Fair and now she’s guiding the fair into its next chapter. She’s committed to preserving the traditions that shaped her life. “I have the best job in the world,” Shari says. “Every year, we hope to create a fair experience where people can come and make memories that will last a lifetime.” After all, for Shari, the fair has always been more than a place to visit. It’s home.
Sandra Lee honors Wisconsin State Fair traditions
“The Wisconsin State Fair brings people together through food and tradition. From sharing a famous Cream Puff to meeting the makers who are the heart of this great state, every moment celebrates the very best of America. I’m looking forward to returning and being part of their remarkable 175th anniversary celebration.”
Keep an eye out for our “Fair’est of Them All” series! In celebration of America’s 250th birthday, Sandra Lee—chef, creator of Semi-Homemade Cooking and host of Blue Ribbon Bakeoff—is hitting the road with Woman’s World for a special cross-country journey honoring the remarkable women who bring America’s beloved state and county fairs to life. From longtime family traditions to unforgettable fairground innovations, these inspiring stories celebrate the heart, resilience and community spirit woven into fairs across the country. Catch the series in issues on sale July 17, August 4 and August 28, with stories appearing online the following week.
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