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George was one of four contestants that also included Madelyn Barber, of Evansville, Lauryn Elzy, of Janesville, and Lucy Johnson, of Evansville. The four will reign together this week as the fair’s 2025 Honor Court.

About 50 people sat in silent anticipation at the Craig Pavilion at the Rock County Fairgrounds Tuesday as master of ceremonies Tim Bremel opened a white envelope and bestowed George with the 2025 Fairest title.

Pre-coronation parade

The four young women, adorned in sparkling dresses, sashes and crowns, paraded through the fairgrounds prior to the ceremony, accompanied by Rock County 4-H Fair Board President Ryan George, members of the 2024 Honor Court and the 2025 Wisconsin Fairest of the Fairs, Megan Salantine. The group visited a barn and rode the Ferris Wheel together.

“We bring all the royalty together and take a nice little stroll through the fairgrounds,” Ryan George said. “It kind of kicks off the first night of the fair.”

During the stroll, the royalty waved as fairgoers smiled and waved back. One little girl stopped the procession and asked for a picture with the state fairest and a candidate she knew.

Ryan George said the Fairest role is a “great achievement” and “very important” to the fair as a whole.

“It wasn’t that long ago that these candidates were the little kids in the parade,” he said. “And now they’re kind of leaving their legacy and going into the end of their career here at the fair. It’s a neat event to see the young and old come together.” He described it as a “full circle moment.”

To compete, contestants must complete an application, an interview, a written essay, and a public service announcement. Their social skills and demeanor are evaluated luncheon with judges. These events were judged prior to the fair by judges residing outside of Rock County.

Contestants also answer a major question on the night of the coronation.

On Tuesday evening, Kaela George was asked: “What is your most important role during Fair Week if selected as the Fairest of the Fair?”

George said she felt her most important role would be connecting with fairgoers and young exhibitors.

“I think fairgoers don’t always understand what goes into some of these things we do,” George said. “And they always really enjoy hearing about it. So, I definitely think the most important thing as Fairest is to advocate for our youth and our projects.”

Herd manager

George runs a self-sustaining beef entrepreneurship project, which began with a gift from her late grandfather — her first cow. The project aims to fund her college education. She actively manages her own herd and participates in the family farm, gaining expertise in animal health and herd management.

She plans to pursue a doctor of veterinary medicine degree at Iowa State University to become a mixed animal veterinarian, aiming to own her own practice and educate others on animal well-being.

“I come from a long line of Rock County Fair members,” George said. “My aunt was fair queen, my uncle ran on court, and my dad is currently the president. I have put in a lot of work and time into this cause — 13 years — and I am so excited to represent the fair.”

Abey says goodbye

Prior to George’s acceptance speech, Natalie Abey, the 2024 Rock County Fairest of the Fair, offered emotional parting words before passing her crown.

“My great-grandfather showed at the Rock County Fair during the 1930s,” Abey said. “And the fairgrounds has been home to my family for the third week of July every year for as long as I’ve been alive.”

“Serving as Fairest has helped me grow as a person and has been an extremely rewarding position and experience. Remember that you only have this opportunity once. Don’t leave with any regrets or wishes to change anything,” Abey continued.

‘Neon Lights & Country Sights’

The Rock County Fairgrounds, 1301 Craig Ave., in Janesville, will be open each day of the fair starting at 8 a.m. with all the traditional fun — exhibits, animals, food, music, a carnival and live daily entertainment.

The theme of this year’s fair is “Neon Lights & Country Sights.”

Remaining grandstand entertainment this year includes Blue Steel at 4:30 p.m. on Thursday; Pink Houses at 3 p.m. on Friday; Totally Neon Band at 7 p.m. on Friday; Jay Matthew at 6 p.m. Saturday; and Niko Moon at 8 p.m. Saturday. Rice Bull Riders are the Grandstand entertainment at 4 p.m. Sunday.

More information, including the full week’s schedule of events, carnival specials and ticket prices is all at .