KENOSHA COUNTY, Wis. — A Kenosha County native is now statewide fair royalty.
Kaelie Billingsley was selected last week as the 2026 Wisconsin State Fairest of the Fairs during the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in Wisconsin Dells, earning the role of official ambassador for the Wisconsin State Fair and county fairs across the state .
“It’s just such an amazing opportunity,” Billingsley said.
Billingsley, 19, is a 2024 graduate of Westosha Central High School and a sophomore at the University of Wisconsin–Platteville, where she is studying animal science with an emphasis on pre-veterinary medicine. She hopes to someday open her own veterinary clinic.
The daughter of Eric and Shelly Billingsley of Paris, Billingsley previously served as the 2025 Kenosha County Fairest of the Fair and was selected from a field of 32 contestants statewide.
“I truly did not think I was going to get it,” she said. “Every single one of the other 31 contestants were all just great to be around and just amazing people, and they all deserved it just as much. So it’s just surreal that I was chosen.”
Kenosha County Fair officials, family members and friends surprised Billingsley with a celebration Sunday at the , where Samantha Kerkman presented her with a citation of recognition co-signed by Amanda Nedweski.
“We are so proud of you,” Kerkman said. “It’s really quite remarkable to see where you’ve come from and where you’re going to go, and how you’re going to lead not only Kenosha County but the state of Wisconsin.”
As Wisconsin State Fairest of the Fairs, Billingsley will receive full-time wages during the summer and be provided with a vehicle as she travels extensively to fairs throughout the state.
At Sunday’s celebration, Kenosha County Fair Manager Jenny Hesse presented Billingsley with a personalized suitcase filled with essentials to support her busy summer schedule.
Betsy Ross, coordinator of the Kenosha County Fairest of the Fair program, said the local organization is proud of Billingsley’s accomplishment.
“We have watched her start this journey, and from where she started to where she is,” Ross said. “I am so ecstatic to watch her for the next year and see her go through Wisconsin State Fairest of the Fairs and see how she grows from there.”
Only one other contestant has advanced from the Kenosha County Fair to the statewide position in the program’s 60-year history. Elli Hackemer, then of Pleasant Prairie, was crowned Wisconsin State Fairest of the Fairs in 1989.
5 Responses
That’s assume.
Helps to know people. 🙄
Exactly. Her mom doesn’t take no for an answer.
How great for her, they all look like lovely young women and it’s so nice to have county and the state fairs to imagine while we’re in these cold, cold days. Has anyone heard of the Sweet Potato Queen titles? Apparently anyone can claim one and I think I’ll start looking for a sash, I missed my chance to be royalty (by a mile.)
Congratulations! You are in for an exciting, busy, EPIC summer!