ROCKLAND — The five candidates competing for the 2025 Delagate blew away the judges with their poise, knowledge, and respect, said the 78th Maine Lobster Festival president, Celia Knight. In introduction to the coronation ceremony, Wednesday, July 30, 2025, Knight said she was glad she didn't have to make the difficult decision of who should be Delegate.

All of the candidates are very different, said Knight. Smart, independent, and all embody fishing families.

Ultimately, Rebecca Spearing gained the crown during the ceremony, which lasted less than 30 minutes. Trishelle Ames was crowned Second Delegate, and prior to the ceremony, the five candidates chose among themselves their pick for Most Congenial: Riley Whitman.

Giving the three some competition were Kayla Baines and Nataleigh Corbett.

"You are all winners in my book," said Knight.

Last year's Delegate, Caitlyn Lamb reflected on her time representing the lobster industry. She loved "meeting all the wonderful people," she said. "The journey is nothing but incredible. You are truly in for something special."

Before taking the microphone, Lamb stood at attention and saluted the Naval and Coast Guard officers on stage. Lamb has just completed a summer training cruise through Maine Maritime Academy.

Second Delegate Chelsea Gaiero said she found the most rewarding part of her year to be encouraging young people to get involved with the lobstering industry.

Unlike previous years, this year's candidates were not formally accompanied during the ceremony. Each walked on stage alone as her name was introduced, gave a quick wave to the audience, and then stood behind honorary guests on the left side of the stage. Later, they returned to the microphone to reintroduce themselves, and say their home towns and a little more about themselves.

A Navy Chaplain provided an opening prayer for all the men and women lost at sea. A young girls group called the Chickadees, wearing Midcoast Music Academy T-shirts, sang the Star Spangled Banner, and Taps trumpeted the end of the ceremony. 

Click here for more information on the 2025 candidates.

Reach Sarah Thompson at news@penbaypilot.com