WEST ALLIS, Wis. – January 8, 2025 – Wisconsin State Fair officials are proud to introduce the 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, who was selected this evening at the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in the Wisconsin Dells. A group of 33 outstanding county and district Fairest of the Fairs vied for this highly sought after role, and Megan Salentine, 21, representing the Kewaunee County Fair, was crowned just after 8pm. The Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs program was created nearly 60 years ago to choose an ambassador for the Wisconsin Association of Fairs. Representing 75 county, district, and state Fairs in Wisconsin, the association’s mission is to provide innovative programming and resources to its members enhancing and supporting vitality of the Fair industry and community. 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 dynamic Fairs. The winner must be an exceptional communicator displaying consummate professionalism, and above all, a passion for the Fair industry. Salentine will serve a one-year term through the 2026 Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention, and in her time will attend over 50 Fairs and events throughout the state, working with the media, creating content to share online, and engaging in meaningful conversations all promoting the importance of Wisconsin Fairs. A highlight of Salentine’s duties will be serving as the official ambassador of the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by UScellular, which takes place July 31 – August 10 in West Allis. Responsibilities of this prestigious ambassador include greeting Fairgoers and special guests, performing as the master of ceremonies for events, participating in various contests, and educating the community about Fairs. The daughter of Jenny and Josh Salentine of Luxemburg, Wis., Salentine has a passion for education led by a desire to support our future generations. As a student at St. Norbert College majoring in Elementary Education and Language Arts, she plays an active role on campus and in the community. Salentine’s involvement in Fairs began at the Kewaunee County Fair within 4-H exhibiting swine as well as projects like sewing, knitting, and leather craft. Maria Lee, 19, representing the Ozaukee County Fair, was named first runner-up. She is the daughter of Deanna and Richard Lee of Mequon, Wis. She is currently earning a degree in Agronomy and Precision Agriculture from South Dakota State University. She looks forward to pursuing a career in agriculture data and analysis mapping to better facilitate technological use in agriculture. Aubrey Behling, 18, representing the Wisconsin Valley Fair, was named second runner-up. She is the daughter of Brooke and Travis Behling of Athens, Wis. Behling’s favorite duty was always delivering baby calves on the farm, which has inspired her to attend college to study to become a medical doctor. Tori Havlik, 19, representing the Waupaca County Fair, was named third runner-up. She is the daughter of Stacy and Mark Havlik of Clintonville, Wis. and is attending University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in Agriculture Education and Animal Science. Havlik’s goal is to become a teacher and help students learn about agriculture production. Sami Rake, 21, representing the Lodi Agricultural Fair, was named fourth runner-up. She is the daughter of Jenny and Tim Rake of Lodi, Wis. While currently studying Agribusiness at University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Rake is passionate about continuing her education in the agricultural field to make a positive impact on her community. Phia Kamm, 19, representing the St. Croix County Fair, was named Miss Congeniality. She is the daughter of Shannon and Lance Kamm of New Richmond, Wis. Kamm is studying Dairy Science Management at the University of Wisconsin-River Falls and plans to add an onsite creamery to her family’s farm in the future. Salentine was selected from a group of incredibly talented young women and takes over for the 2024 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Kelsey Henderson from Racine 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, Andrew Kroening, and Chris Krautkramer. Kaitlyn Kesler’s passion for agriculture began on her family’s farm and continued as she showed cattle, crops, and crafts at the Crawford County Fair, served as the 55th Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, and the 71st Alice in Dairyland. Professionally, Kesler pursued a degree in strategic communications and broadcast journalism with her professional journey spanning radio, television, and print media. Kesler and her husband now reside near Stockbridge where they are active members of the Calumet County Farm Bureau, and Kesler serves on the Wisconsin Farm Bureau Foundation Board of Trustees. The Creative Services Director at the Wisconsin State Fair, Andy Kroening, was a first-time judge for the Fairest of the Fairs competition but is no stranger to the Fair industry. With two decades of experience creating unique and impactful visuals for Wisconsin State Fair Park, Kroening’s work has been recognized by the International Association of Fairs and Expositions, earning awards for a variety of Wisconsin State Fair advertising campaigns. Kroening is also a graduate of the Institute of Fair Management and earned his Certified Fair Executive designation in 2016. As a second-time judge, Chris Krautkramer has been involved in the agricultural industry for over 50 years. From raising veal calves, growing ginseng to becoming one of the state’s first emu breeders, Krautkramer has had a robust career. Now residing in Marathon with her husband and their corgi, she spends her free time with her family and spending time outdoors. 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.
