By Crystal Hayduk with photos by Don Hayduk
Genevieve Peale was selected as the 2025 Chelsea Community Fair Queen at the end of the Aug. 22 evening’s program in the multi-purpose arena.
Peale, age 17, is a senior at Dexter High School. The daughter of David and Julie Peale, she was sponsored by Chelsea Farmers Supply and Barbara Nuess. During the talent portion of the contest, she gave an educational presentation about rabbits that included a slide show and two of her own rabbits, a Flemish Giant and a dwarf rabbit. She was well-versed in her topic, since she has shown rabbits and taught youngsters about them at various venues for several years.
Peale plans to pursue veterinary science after high school.
Winning the crown was the culmination of a big day for Peale, who won runner-up Junior Homemaker of the Year at the Ladies Day event in the morning.
As queen, Peale won a $2,000 scholarship along with her crown, trophy, floral bouquet, and sash.
Charlotte Doma, 17, a senior at Chelsea High School, was named first runner-up. The daughter of Mo and Amy Doma, she was sponsored by Lakehouse Bakery. She gave a speech about two of her personal heroines in science—marine biologist Sylvia Earle and computer scientist/mathematician Annie Easley.
The second runner-up was Katie Varblow, 18, a senior from Dexter who is homeschooled. She also won the talent award for her Irish hard shoe dancing, the evening’s crowd pleaser. The daughter of Matthew and Rachael Varblow, she was sponsored by The Owl, Morning ‘Til Night of Milan.
Nadia Engstrom was named third runner-up. A senior at Dexter High School, the 18 year old is the daughter of David and Jessica Engstrom. She sang “Wide Open Spaces” as performed by The Chicks. She was sponsored by Blast Corn Maze and Imperial Events and Rentals.
Emma Wild, age 16, was named Miss Congeniality, an award voted on by the contestants. She is a junior at Dexter High School, and her father is Nick Wild. Her talent was dancing to “You’re So Vain” by Carly Simon. Her sponsor was Town and Country Lawn Care.
The evening’s entertainment included a dance routine by the contestants, and a demonstration of rabbit agility by Sarah Murillo, the 2024 Chelsea Fair Queen.
