08/26/2026
👑 Congratulations, MaKayla! 👑
The Village Hearthstone is proud to congratulate Hilbert native MaKayla Plate on being crowned the 2026 Calumet County Fairest of the Fair! 🐑❤️
We’re so proud to see a hometown girl representing our community and the fair she has loved for so many years.
Wishing MaKayla a wonderful and memorable fair weekend! Enjoy every moment—you’ve earned it! 🎉👑
Congratulations, MaKayla, from all of us at the Hearthstone! We’re cheering you on! ❤️
MaKayla Plate - 2026 Calumet County Fairest of the Fair
MaKayla Plate is proud to serve as the official hostess for “Red, White and Ewe” as the 2026 Calumet County Fairest of the Fair. She looks forward to celebrating “Fair by Day, Festival by Night” Labor Day Weekend with YOU and EWE!
MaKayla is the daughter of Al and Holly Plate and a graduate of Hilbert High School. She is currently attending the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, where she is pursuing a degree in education with the goal of becoming a high school math teacher in her hometown.
As a member of the Sunset Lake 4-H Club, her love for the Calumet County Fair has earned her many accomplishments, including First Place State Fair Entry for her Finger Knitted Afghan, First Place honors for her crochet projects, multiple State Fair entries, and numerous championships in rabbit, hog, and waterfowl competitions.
MaKayla is currently employed as a Production Sanitation Utility employee at Sargento in Hilbert. Prior to joining Sargento, she enjoyed working at Dick's Family Foods for four years. She is committed to academic excellence, leadership, and personal growth, striving to graduate with a GPA of 3.6 or higher while continuing to strengthen her communication skills and gain valuable classroom experience.
Throughout high school and college, MaKayla has been actively involved in numerous organizations, including XA Campus Ministry, Collegiate 4-H, Aspiring Educators, Crochet Club, College Republicans, TUSA, and Pep Band, holding leadership roles in many. During high school she served as Class President, National Honor Society President, Softball Captain, and participated in Forensics, Yearbook, and the musical pit band. Her achievements include the DAR Good Citizen Award, multiple Semester Highest Honors recognitions, state medals in Forensics and Solo & Ensemble, and numerous athletic and leadership honors.
A dedicated volunteer, MaKayla has contributed more than 200 hours of service through St. John Sacred Heart, is an active member of St. Mary Help of Christians Catholic Church. She enjoys staying involved in her community and appreciates opportunities to help others through volunteering, mentoring, and everyday service.
Outside of school and volunteer activities, MaKayla enjoys crocheting, baking and cooking, playing the clarinet and tenor saxophone, and spending time with her dog and rabbits.
Having grown up with the Calumet County Fair as an important part of her life, MaKayla is honored to represent the fair and the agricultural community she loves. She looks forward to promoting the traditions, opportunities, and friendships the fair provides while encouraging youth and families to become involved and create memories that will last a lifetime.
Official Photography of the 2026 Fairest of the Fair - Shelley Cullen Photography.
