Delegate Banquet July 22, award ceremony July 29

Sat, 07/18/2026 - 4:40pm

The Maine Lobster Festival announced the six candidates for the 2026 Delegate, who will represent the festival and the lobster industry at fairs, parades and other events throughout the coming year.

Running for the position of 2026 Delegate are Ashlyn Ward of Warren, Felicity Griffin of Warren, Kaia Flaherty of Warren, Kylli Gronros of Rockport, Lindsey Clifford of Rockport, and Madeline Whytock of Rockland.

Ashlyn Ward of Warren is currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Maine at Augusta, with the goal of becoming a probation officer. She enjoys spending time outdoors, including walking her dog, hiking, fishing, and snowboarding, and hopes to travel the world. Ashlyn looks forward to growing, giving back, and representing her community with pride.

Ashlyn Ward of Warren. (Photo courtesy Maine Lobster Festival)

Felicity Griffin is a recent graduate of Medomak Valley High School and will attend Husson University this fall to study nursing. Cheerleading has played an important role in her life, teaching her teamwork, leadership, dedication, and confidence. Felicity hopes to pursue a career in pediatric or aesthetic nursing and looks forward to continuing to help others and give back to her community.

Felicity Griffin of Warren. (Photo courtesy Maine Lobster Festival)

Kaia Flaherty is a recent graduate of Medomak Valley High School and plans to attend the University of Maine in Orono this fall to study nursing. She enjoys playing volleyball and tennis, and brings creativity to everything she does. Kaia hopes to become a pediatric nurse specializing in cardiology.

Kaia Flaherty of Warren. (Photo courtesy Maine Lobster Festival)

Kylli Gronros lives in Rockport and will be entering her senior year at Camden Hills Regional High School. She is active in honors choirs and band ensembles, where she plays trumpet. Kylli has worked at her family’s business, Graffam Brothers Seafood Market, and is completing a hospitality-focused internship at the Samoset Resort. She hopes to travel the world and connect with different cultures.

Kylli Gronros of Rockport. (Photo courtesy Maine Lobster Festival)

Lindsey Clifford is a 2025 graduate of Camden Hills Regional High School and is studying acting at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Her family has deep ties to Maine’s lobstering industry through her grandfather, who has lobstered in Boothbay Harbor for 70 years, and her family’s business, Claws. Lindsey also runs a business selling painted lobster buoys.

Lindsey Clifford of Rockport. (Photo courtesy Maine Lobster Festival)

Madeline Whytock is a Rockland native and 2022 graduate of Oceanside High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Husson University in 2025 and now serves as an Emergency Department nurse at MaineHealth Pen Bay Hospital. Madeline is passionate about service, grateful for the community that shaped her, and proud to represent Rockland.

Madeline Whytock of Rockland. (Photo courtesy Maine Lobster Festival)

The Delegate competition is open to Maine residents ages 16 to 22. Candidates attend a public speaking workshop, learn about Lobster Festival history and go out on a lobster boat to learn about the industry first-hand.

At the Delegate Banquet on Wednesday, July 22, at the Samoset Resort in Rockport, each candidate will have a chance to speak to the judging panel about who they are, and why they are participating. This event is open to the public. Tickets are $50 and include a full meal.

The Award Ceremony of the 2026 Delegate, the Second Delegate and Most Congenial will take place on Wednesday, July 29, at 6:30 p.m., on the main stage at Harbor Park in Rockland, Maine.

About the Maine Lobster Festival

Five days of fun and feasting on the fabulous coast of Maine, the Maine Lobster Festival attracts thousands of people to the Midcoast region and has a long tradition of giving back to the local community. The 2026 Festival will be held July 29-Aug. 2 and will celebrate its 79th anniversary. Once again, admission will be free. For more information about the Maine Lobster Festival, visit the website at www.mainelobsterfestival.com.