Kenosha County Fair’s “Fairest of the Fair” was a close competition this year, with judges taking extra time to consider this year’s three contestants, ultimately selecting Kaelie Billingsley, of Bristol, as the 2025 Fairest of the Fair. 2024 Fairest of the Fair Katrina Cain crowns Kaelie Billingsley as the 2025 Fairest of the Fair Saturday, Aug. 18.
Billingsley, of Bristol, will start her tenure in January. Jadyn Eisenbraun of Paddock Lake was bestowed the title of 2025 Fair Royalty, and Alexander Hannah of Salem, the county’s first-ever male contestant, took runner up. Billingsley, who has shown rabbits, poultry, dogs, horses and swine in her many years coming to the fair, and being a part of the 4H Club, said she was encouraged to run by her mother, who pushed her to step out of her comfort zone.
The crowning was a new memory to add to a lifetime of good times at the fair. “It’s so exciting, a little nerve wracking,” Billingsley said. Billingsley, the daughter of Shelly and Eric Billingsley, will attend the University of Wisconsin—Platteville, where she will pursue a degree in animal science.
She plans to become a large animal veterinarian. Her work as Fairest of the Fair will begin officially in January 2025. While there was lots of work ahead, Billingsley wasn’t worried about that Saturday.
“I’ll think about the work once I’m not so jittery,” Billingsley said, laughing. She said she looked forward to meeting everyone during her tenure and seei.