In Loving Memory of Kristina Smith-Knacke

In Loving Memory of Kristina Smith-Knacke

It is with heavy hearts and profound sadness that we share the passing of our dear friend and colleague, Kristina Smith-Knacke, who left us yesterday morning after a courageous and inspiring battle with cancer. Her loss is deeply felt across the Walworth County Fairgrounds family and throughout the community she served with such dedication, grace, and kindness.

Kristina joined the Walworth County Fairgrounds team in 2020, and from the very beginning, it was clear that she was someone special. She didn’t just take on a role—she embraced a mission. With a quiet determination and a heart full of commitment, Kristina quickly became an essential part of everything we do. Her work touched nearly every corner of the Fairgrounds, and her impact will be felt for years to come.

As the manager of vendor operations for Elkhorn Ribfest, Kristina brought order, organization, and warmth to one of our most beloved events. She worked tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure vendors felt welcomed, supported, and set up for success. She had an incredible ability to balance efficiency with compassion, making sure every detail was handled while never losing sight of the people involved.

Kristina also oversaw our campground operations with the same dedication and care. To campers, she was more than just staff—she was a friendly face, a problem-solver, and often the person who made their stay feel like home. Whether someone was arriving late in the evening, had a question about their site, or needed a helping hand, Kristina was always there, ready with a solution and a smile.

Handling tenant contracts and countless administrative details, Kristina was the quiet force that kept everything moving smoothly. Many of her contributions happened behind the scenes, unnoticed by most, but absolutely vital to the success of the Fairgrounds. If something needed to get done, Kristina found a way to make it happen. Her reliability, professionalism, and attention to detail made her someone we could always count on.

But beyond her responsibilities and achievements, Kristina will be remembered most for the person she was. She had a kindness that was genuine and effortless, a steady presence that brought calm in busy moments, and a warm smile that made everyone feel welcome. She treated everyone like family—whether it was a longtime exhibitor, a first-time vendor, or a camper rolling in for the weekend. To many, she was not just staff, but a true friend.

Kristina had a rare gift for connection. She listened, she cared, and she made people feel seen and valued. Her compassion extended far beyond her job description, and her impact reached far beyond the Fairgrounds gates. She built relationships, fostered community, and left a lasting impression on everyone she met.

We will miss her deeply—her laughter, her dedication, her quiet strength, and her unwavering kindness. The Fairgrounds will not be the same without her, but her spirit will remain in the memories she created and the legacy she leaves behind.

Funeral arrangements are still being finalized, and we expect to have more information tomorrow afternoon. We will share updates as soon as we know more.

For now, we hold Kristina’s family close in our thoughts and hearts. We remember a remarkable person who meant so much to this Fairgrounds and this community—a colleague, a friend, and a light to all who knew her.

May Kristina Smith-Knacke rest in peace, and may her memory continue to inspire kindness, dedication, and love in all of us.