Ashland Adventure

Source: http://www.ashland-wi.com/dailypress/index.php?dect_rank=1&story_id=209013

By RICK OLIVOThe Daily PressMonday, March 20th, 2006 08:30:59 AM

Reigning Miss Wisconsin Tracy Gest got a unique adventure, trying out a dog sled on Lake Superior last Wednesday with outfitter Jim Ryder of La Pointe.
There is a lot more to being Miss Wisconsin than just riding around in parades and waving at the crowd.
Sometimes you need to be photographed in a bikini in a sauna; sometimes the picture taking is out on the ice of Lake Superior on a dogsled.
It's all grist for the mill of current Miss Wisconsin, Tracy Gest, 20, of Menomonie Falls, who spent three days this week in the Bay Area, engaged in promotional activities for local businesses as part of her year-long reign.
"It's the farthest north I've ever been," she said Friday, in between appointments.
She said her time in the area has been "an adventure," even getting her feet wet during a sled dog demonstration on the ice of Lake Superior near Bayfield.
The event had been planned as a sled dog outing and photo shoot, but deteriorating ice conditions caused cancellation of the excursion.
"I was really looking forward to that," she said. "But it was a lot of fun just to be able to pose in a dogsled; that is something very different."
Gest said she, and her first runner up, Alexandra Kealey, who accompanied her on the trip have been warmly welcomed in the area.
"It's fantastic to be here, the city of Ashland has welcomed us with open arms," she said.
Her hosts for the visit have included Superior Sauna and Cabin and Ashland's Mobile Connection Cellular One dealership. She also made a public appearance at the Chequamegon Health and Fitness Center. Gest said it's been a busy visit, but one in keeping with her duties as Miss Wisconsin.
"There is a lot more going on behind the scenes that people just don't realize," she said.
It's a year-long lifestyle Gest says she is thoroughly enjoying. She is taking a year off from her college studies at Carroll College, where she is a junior, working towards a bachelor's degree in communications. She hopes one day to serve as a public relations spokesperson for a large company.
"This is an internship that just can't be matched," she said. "What better way to learn than to actually learn from life experience."
Once finished in Ashland, Gest is slated to visit Eau Claire where she will speak on diabetes awareness, her formal public service platform as Miss Wisconsin.
"My father has had diabetes for 49 years, so it's something I have a personal interest in," she said.
Gest trained with the American Diabetes Association to speak on the topic; she has also served as a diabetes camp assistant. She will also attend a number of Drug Awareness Resistance Education (DARE) graduations. "I'm a motivational speaker for these children, speaking about healthy lifestyles," she said.
And, yes, indeed, she does wave in parades.
"There is a glamour aspect to being Miss Wisconsin, but It's really a speaking tour for one year," she said.
She has also helped to raise funds for child abuse prevention, cerebral palsy and muscular dystrophy.
"It's a busy time," she said.
Gest's tour of duty as Miss Wisconsin ends in three months.
"It's hard to believe," she said. "It's been a fantastic career; they are going to have to fight me to get the crown off my head. I've gotten a great opportunity to tour Wisconsin. It's a beautiful state, but it's the people who make it a special and unique place."
Gest said once her term is finished, she plans to go back to Carroll College and complete her degree.
I will graduate next May, that's the next big thing," she said.