Gabrielle Rivera Crowned 2025 Fayette County Free Fair Queen

Connersville High School graduate Gabrielle Rivera was crowned as the 2025 Fayette County Free Fair Queen at the sixty-seventh annual pageant at the Robert’s Park Expo Hall on Saturday.

Rivera, sponsored by Von Don Beauty, is the daughter of Elizabeth Roszell and Tito Rivera, and stepdaughter to Danny Roszell. Rivera was a member of Student and Class Council, and a 4-year member of the Spartanette Dance team. She earned All-American status for the Spartanettes and has performed in Hawaii and Disney. She has danced at Sandee’s Danz Explosion for 18 years. Currently employed at Pizza King, Rivera is a Early College High School graduate with a degree from Ivy Tech. She will attend Indiana State University in the fall with the intention of becoming a lifeline pilot.

Incoming CHS senior Lyla Davidson, sponsored by Tri Kappa was named first runner up. Christina Caldwell, sponsored by Little Ceasar’s, was named second runner up, with Megan Rowe, sponsored by Foreman Show Cattle, earning Miss Congeniality.

Also vying for the 2025 crown were Charlotte Latham (Republican Women), Amy Rowe (CFD Local 2205), Alexandra Nobbe (Dr. Laura Marsalek), and Kierra McKinney (Shark Bite Popcorn).

Jayla Dunaway, sponsored by Dessie’s Doodles, was named Little Miss Fayette County at the junior’s pageant on Friday. Audree Carpenter (Big Boyz Pizza), and Chloee Myers (Myers Income Tax Office), earned first and second runner up respectively.

Annaleah Levi (Total Lawncare & Landscaping), Delilah Dunaway (Dessie’s Doodles), Eiley Waterman (Steele Lawncare), Gracie Rowe (CFD Local 2205), Arionna Friend (the Blink Boutique) Lois Riebsomer (Connersville Veterinary Clinic), Jaylynn Parsons (McFall’s Pest & Animal Control), Raylynn Smiley (BAM Fitness), Brenley Starkey (the Nobbe Family), Jordynn McFall (McFall’s Pest & Animal Control), Aubree King (USLA), and Lilly Copeland (Central Auto Parts) also participating.

The 2024 Fair Queen Kaylee Hauger, and Little Miss Eden Bohlander concluded their reigns upon passing their crowns to Rivera and Dunaway. Former Fair Queen Tara Madden Emceed the evening with acknowledgement for Fayette County Free Fair Board Officers Danny Grubbs (President), Danny Hood (Vice President), Amy Siler (Secretary), and Jeanette Hensley (Treasurer).

Directors-at-Large Larry Grrett, Dale Munson, and Gail Grubbs along with groundskeepers Bruce Ritter, Chuck Nobbe, Darrell Russell, and Fair Office Secretary Beth Murphy were recognized. Special Acknowledgements went to Escort Levi Marsalek, the Connersville News Examiner, Central T’s, Hahn Graphix, Fohl’s Flooring, Wholesale Carpets, and Kroger.