The 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs was selected this evening at the annual Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in the Wisconsin Dells. A group of 33 talented contestants vied for this highly sought-after position, and Megan Salentine, 21, representing the Kewaunee County Fair, took home the title.
Salentine will serve a one-year term. Her responsibilities include appearances at Fairs and events throughout the state, working with media, as well as promoting the importance of Wisconsin Fairs.
The daughter of John and Jenny Salentine of Luxemburg, Wis., Salentine currently studies elementary education and language arts at St. Norbert College. Currently, she works as a childcare teacher at CP Early Education and Care. Her love for county fairs started in kindergarten as a Clover Bud. Over the years, she exhibited projects like cake decorating, sewing, and also livestock. “I fell in love with the excitement and community spirit of fair week,” she shared. “It taught me hard work, dedication, as well as countless life lessons.”
Maria Lee, 19, was named first runner-up. Representing the Ozaukee County Fair, she studies Agronomy and Precision Agriculture at South Dakota State University. Her goal is to help farmers optimize operations using precision agriculture and eventually start a business.
Aubrey Behling, 18, earned second runner-up. She represents the Wisconsin Valley Fair and is a senior at Edgar High School. Behling plans to study pre-med at a university, focusing on OB or plastic surgery. She is active in 4-H as a cloverbud liaison and also involved in the Wisconsin Junior Holstein Breeders Association.
Tori Havlik, 19, representing the Waupaca County Fair, was named third runner-up. Havlik studies Agriculture Education and Animal Science, aiming to become an agriculture teacher and FFA advisor. She also plans to earn a bilingual license in Spanish and a Master’s in Educational Sciences.
Sami Rake, 21, representing the Lodi Agricultural Fair, was named fourth runner-up. She attends the University of Wisconsin-Platteville where she is majoring in Agribusiness. Rake currently works at Havin’ Fun Genetics promoting the swine genetic program as well as at I-39 Supply where she helps maintain livestock trailers.
Salentine was selected from a pool of extraordinarily talented young women. She takes over for the 2024 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Kelsey Henderson from the Racine County Fair. The Fairest of the Fairs is selected by a panel of three judges representing the agriculture, media, and also hospitality industries.
The Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs program began 59 years ago to promote the Wisconsin Association of Fairs. This ambassador represents 75 county, district, and state Fairs across Wisconsin.
Each year, the Fairest travels statewide to highlight educational, agricultural, cultural, and also social opportunities at Wisconsin Fairs. The role demands communication skills, professionalism, as well as a passion for the Fair industry.
Salentine also serves as an official ambassador for the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair, presented by UScellular. The State Fair will run from July 31 to August 10 in West Allis. Her duties include greeting Fairgoers, hosting events, participating in contests, and making media appearances.