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Megan Salentine selected 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the FairsMegan Salentine selected 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs

The Kewaunee County, Wis., native is 21 years old. She takes over for Kelsey Henderson from Racine County, Wis.

Fran O'Leary, Senior Editor

January 15, 2025

3 Min Read
Newly crowned Megan Salentine of Luxemburg, Wis., 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs
NEWLY CROWNED: Megan Salentine of Luxemburg, Wis., was named the 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs at the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in Wisconsin Dells. Courtesy of Wisconsin State Fair

Megan Salentine, representing the Kewaunee County Fair, was crowned the 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs on Jan. 8 during the Wisconsin Association of Fairs Convention in Wisconsin Dells.

Salentine, 21, is the daughter of Jenny and Josh Salentine of Luxemburg, Wis.

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 the vitality of the fair industry and community.

Each year, the Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs travels extensively throughout the state to promote the educational, agricultural, social, cultural and commercial benefits and opportunities available at Wisconsin’s fairs. The winner must be an exceptional communicator displaying professionalism and 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 to promote the importance of Wisconsin fairs. 

A highlight of Salentine’s duties will be serving as the official ambassador of the 2025 Wisconsin State Fair, which takes place July 31 to Aug. 10 in West Allis. Responsibilities include greeting fairgoers and special guests, performing as the master of ceremonies for events, participating in various contests, and educating the community about fairs.

Salentine has a passion for education led by a desire to support 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. 

Runners-up

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 from South Dakota State University.

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 delivering baby calves on the farm, which inspired her to attend college 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 the University of Wisconsin-River Falls, majoring in agriculture education and animal science.

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 UW-Platteville, Rake is passionate about continuing her education in the agricultural field to make a positive impact on her community.

Salentine was selected from a group of talented young women and takes over for the 2024 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Kelsey Henderson from Racine County.

Read more about:

4-H

About the Author

Fran O'Leary

Senior Editor, Wisconsin Agriculturist

Fran O’Leary lives in Brandon, Wis., and has been editor of Wisconsin Agriculturist since 2003. Even though O’Leary was born and raised on a farm in Illinois, she has spent most of her life in Wisconsin. She moved to the state when she was 18 years old and later graduated from the University of Wisconsin-Whitewater with a bachelor's degree in journalism.

Before becoming editor of Wisconsin Agriculturist, O’Leary worked at Johnson Hill Press in Fort Atkinson as a writer and editor of farm business publications and at the Janesville Gazette in Janesville as farm editor and a feature writer. Later, she signed on as a public relations associate at Bader Rutter in Brookfield, and served as managing editor and farm editor at The Reporter, a daily newspaper in Fond du Lac.

She has been a member of American Agricultural Editors’ Association (now Agricultural Communicators Network) since 2003.

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