Wisconsin State Fair Fairest of the Fair announced

Wisconsin State Fair officials have introduced the 2026 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, who was selected Wednesday, January 14, 2026, at the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in the Wisconsin Dells.

19-year-old Kaelie Billingsley, representing the Kenosha County Fair, was picked from a group of
32 county and district Fairest of the Fairs from throughout Wisconsin.

The Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs program was created 60 years ago to choose an ambassador for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs.

Each year, the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs travels extensively throughout the state, promoting the educational, agricultural, social, cultural, and commercial benefits and opportunities available at Wisconsin’s Fairs. The winner must be an exceptional communicator, displaying consummate professionalism and a passion for the Fair industry.

Billingsley is currently earning a degree in Animal Science with an emphasis on Pre-Veterinary Medicine from the University of Wisconsin-Platteville. She also works on the campus farm in the beef cattle and equipment management division. After graduating with a doctorate in veterinary medicine, she hopes to open her own veterinary clinic.

Representing Fond du Lac County at the convention, 20-year-old Maya Wiltzius earned the Tim Heffernan Congeniality Award. Wiltzius is studying animal science at the University of Wisconsin and plans to find a career close to home so she can continue to contribute to the family’s campground Breezy Hill Campground, Located south of Fond du Lac.