WEST ALLIS, Wis. – January 14, 2026 – Wisconsin State Fair officials are proud to introduce the 2026 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, who was selected this evening at the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in Wisconsin Dells. A group of 32 talented county and district Fairest of the Fairs vied for this highly sought after role, and Kaelie Billingsley, 19, representing the Kenosha County Fair, was crowned this evening.
The Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs program was created 60 years ago to choose an ambassador for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs. Representing 74 county, district, and state Fairs in Wisconsin, the association’s mission is to provide innovative programming and resources to its members to enhance and support the vitality of the Fair industry and communities they serve.
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 vital Fairs. The winner must be an exceptional communicator, displaying consummate professionalism and, above all, a passion for the Fair industry.
This year, the Wisconsin Association of Fairs also marked the 60th anniversary of the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs program in grand style with a milestone reunion of past Fairests. Twenty-five exceptional winners gathered at tonight’s banquet to commemorate their achievements and to celebrate one another. The reunion was all the more impressive as Connie Platts, the very first Fairest crowned, and Gay Alberts, the fourth-ever Fairest, were a part of the festivities. More information about the remarkable history of these legendary women can be found on the Wisconsin Association of Fairs website.
Billingsley will serve a one-year term through the 2027 Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention and during her tenure will attend more than 50 Fairs and events throughout the state, interacting with the media, creating content to share online and engaging in meaningful conversations to promote the importance of Wisconsin’s many Fairs.
A highlight of Billingsley’s duties will be serving as the official ambassador for the 2026 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by UScellular, which takes place August 6–16 in West Allis. Responsibilities for this prestigious ambassadorship include greeting Fairgoers and special guests, performing as the master of ceremonies for numerous events, participating in various contests and educating the community about Fairs.
The daughter of Eric and Shelly Billingsley of Bristol, Wisc., 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.
“We are thrilled to have Kaelie promote the Wisconsin State Fair in 2026 as Fairest of the Fairs, where she will be instrumental in helping us mark 175 years of celebrating together,” said Shari Black, CEO of Wisconsin State Fair Park. “I am confident she will prove to be an engaging ambassador as she shines a spotlight on the Wisconsin State Fair and Fairs around the state. Kaelie’s education, experience, and active participation in Fairs will serve her well as she crisscrosses the Badger State promoting the Fair industry.”
Alexa Heitkamp, 18, representing the La Crosse Interstate Fair, earned a second-place finish. She is the daughter of Jeff and Lyndsi Heitkamp of Mindoro, Wis. Her studies have taken her to the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point where she is majoring in community sustainability. She hopes to help create a sustainable future for farmers and the land they depend on for their livelihood.
Savannah Briese, 19, representing the St. Croix County Fair, came in thirda place. She is the daughter of Melissa Briese of Hammond, Wis. She is aiming to earn a bachelor’s degree in business (with an emphasis on entrepreneurship and innovation) and a minor in social media from Bethel University. She hopes to build her burgeoning auto-detailing business into a brick-and-mortar operation in the future.
In fourth place was Morgan Wirtz, 20, representing the Northern Wisconsin State Fair. She is the daughter of Charles Wirtz and Sarah Schultz of Chippewa Falls, Wis. A student at St. Mary’s University of Minnesota, she is majoring in biochemistry while also serving as a campus ambassador in its admissions office. After earning her undergraduate degree, she hopes to apply to medical school with the goal of becoming a doctor.
Fifth place went to Kaela George, 18, representing the Rock County 4-H Fair. She is the daughter of Ryan George and Amy Thomas of Brooklyn, Wis. She was an active member of her Future Farmers of America chapter, where she assisted in hosting numerous events and fundraisers. She is currently enrolled in the animal science program at Iowa State University and wants to further her studies at ISU’s highly competitive college of veterinary medicine.
Maya Wiltzius, 20, representing the Fond du Lac County Fair, earned the Tim Heffernan Congeniality Award. She is the daughter of Jon and Jennifer Wiltzius of Fon du Lac, Wis. She 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 attraction.
Billingsley was selected from a group of incredibly talented young women and takes over for the 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Megan Salentine from Kewaunee County. The Fairest of the Fairs is selected by a panel of three judges representing the media, Fair and agriculture industries. This year’s judges were Kaitlyn Kesler, Scott Kozelka and Lori Wynn.
Kesler’s introduction to the Fair industry began on her family’s dairy farm in Crawford County where her summers were spent showing Jerseys, crops and crafts at the Fair. She served as the 48th Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs and the 71st Alice in Dairyland. To this day, she still stays involved in her local farm bureau and competitively exhibits vegetables at the Fair. Her professional career has seen her take positions in radio, television and print media. Today, she is the director of communications and outreach for the Wisconsin Beef Council.
Kozelka has lived in Owatonna, Minn., for the past 45 years after graduating from high school in Edgerton, Wis. Scott has years of community involvement in serving local and regional organizations as well as more than 32 years of dedicated business experience with Aramark Corporation. He has more than a decade of experience both as a board member and the general manager of the Steele County Free Fair and previously served as the IAFE Zone 4 Director.
Wynn, a native of Indiana, resides in South Carolina where she owns and operates East Coast Concessions with her husband. With more than 30 years of experience in the Fair industry, Lori has been deeply involved in its growth and success. She served as a director of her home county Fair in Indiana for two decades, taking on numerous leadership roles including vice president, secretary, grounds entertainment manager, sponsorship coordinator, and Queen Pageant Superintendent.
Individuals interested in competing in future Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs contests should contact their county or district Fair board for more information or visit WiFairs.com.
About the Wisconsin State Fair
The 2026 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by UScellular®, will take place August 6–16, 2026. The State Fair offers a unique experience to all who attend and is an exceptional value. Enjoy dozens of FREE entertainment stages, exciting rides and games in SpinCity, thousands of animals, endless family activities, events, contests, shopping vendors, and culinary delights. For more information, visit WiStateFair.com or follow us on social media.
