On Saturday October eighth I visited Plumb’s grocery store in Alpine Township. Unsurprisingly, there were quite a few customers eager to try the samples of Michigan Apples available. While handing out samples I was able to hand out many recipes featuring Michigan Apples! I enjoyed talking with customers ab
out the many varieties and helping them to discover a Michigan Apple suited to their specific taste. I had several customers mention they were related to the Michigan Apple industry. It was interesting to hear their stories about their family farms, past Michigan Apple Queens, as well as how they feel about this year’s growing season. By the end of my time at the store I believe many customers left with delicious Michigan Apples to either bake a Michigan Apple pie, try one of the recipes they picked up, or simply to enjoy fresh.
Plumb’s Market – Hillary Heeren
October 12th, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Queen
Michigan Apple Day at Legoland – Alyson Wendzel
October 5th, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Queen
What an exciting Fall this is becoming! On September 27th I had the opportunity to visit Legoland in Schaumburg, IL to promote Michigan apples to the young visitors and their parents. Legoland is certainly a “made for kid’s” paradise and I can’t think of a better place to add the perfect finish to a day of fun with a wholesome, healthy Michigan Apple!! The kids and parents alike loved the Gala apples that were generously provided to hand out. The parents were also interested in the recipes and information we had for them while their children loved getting their pictures that Denise was taking with her “magic” Polaroid camera for an instant souvenir. I was enchanted with little children coming back to see me after they had made apples and hearts out of the crafts we gave them and offering them to me as “presents”. They are precious.
Talking to young children about Michigan Apples and letting them know what a healthy snack they are is always wonderful but it was even more enjoyable in an atmosphere that is all about and for kids. The staff at Legoland were fun to work with it was the first time that I had the chance to really meet and talk with Denise Donohue, our Michigan Apple Committee Executive Director. It was really nice having someone so informed about all aspects of the apple industry right there to lean on!
Many people at Legoland mentioned that they vacation in Michigan and always comment on how beautiful they find it. They really do enjoy Michigan Apples and the chance to 
support an industry that they observe and consider part of the beauty of rural Michigan. We’ll keep on pushing and promoting!
Fall Apple Events – Hillary Heeren
October 3rd, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Queen
Sparta’s Harvest on the Ridge Apple Festival
On September seventeenth, I attended Sparta’s Harvest on the Ridge Apple Festival. While there I was asked to hand out Michigan apples including some Honeycrisp, Cortland, McIntosh, and Gala to the delight of the festival’s participants. One of the highlights of the festival was watching many of the children bob for Michigan apples and once success was achieved to see the triumph on their little faces!
There were many tables set up for visitors to peruse. The crowd was able to check out local merchant’s wares including jewelry, wood carvings, toys, as well as one of the local mill’s award winning Michigan Apple Cider.
There were several contests held during the festival. The obvious favorite by the crowd was the Michigan Apple Dessert contest and even though they were not the judges everyone was able to taste each one. Since they were made from Michigan apples I think we can presume they were all delicious! I was given the honor of announcing and handing out awards for the most popular antique tractors.
Yet again it was another beautiful day in Michigan and this event was the perfect way to celebrate the harvest season!
Charlotte’s Country Mill
On Saturday September twenty-fourth I visited Charlotte’s Country Mill. There were many activities for families to partake in such as a hayride through the orchard, pony rides, an apple art contest, a corn maze, as well as going out to the orchard and picking your own Michigan apples. In one of several barns on the property visitors could get a bite to eat and a band was playing lively music for all to enjoy. There was also a gift shop with many different apple themed items. I was even able to try some of the Michigan Apple wine they had available!
One of the highlights was helping two brothers who were from out of state to surprise their brother who is a Michigan resident on his birthday. While waiting for his arrival I was able to discuss different varieties of Michigan apples with the brothers.
Before the end of the day I was asked to hand out awards to the children who won the apple art contest. This event, as all the others before have reminded me of what a special honor it is to be Michigan Apple Royalty while providing me with a perfect platform to spread the joy of Michigan Apples.
Canton’s Holiday Market
On Saturday October first, I traveled to Canton’s Holiday Market. When I arrived I met with Chef Paul, who was friendly and has an obvious love of Michigan Apples! We were placed in the produce department by a lovely display of Michigan varieties including: Honeycrisps, Jonagolds, McIntoshs and Golden Delicious. We were handing out Michigan Apple cider samples to customers. I think many customers were surprised to learn the cider was made from many varieties grown here in Michigan.
We had many people ask about Michigan Honeycrisp apples which allowed us the opportunity to explain about the different harvest periods for many Michigan apple varieties. Chef Paul brought a couple recipes including one for 
Michigan Apple salsa and Michigan Apple harvest salad. There was also a handy reference sheet about Michigan Apples. Customers could take the sheet to learn more about which Michigan Apple variety is best on salads, to eat fresh, to bake, to make sauce with, among other things.
By the end of the day the cooler of Michigan apple cider was very near to being sold out. I was not surprised to see how many gallons of cider as well as how many fresh Michigan Apples had sold, because when you have a great product like Michigan Apples to work with they sell themselves!
Fall’s Changes – Part 2
September 21st, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Marketing
Written by Jim Parker
Michigan Apple Fan and Cider Enthusiast
Previously I wrote here on the Michigan Apple website that the fall season brings many changes into our daily lives. Some are a repeat of previous year’s changes. I also stated that now there are some new ones taking place, and from a personal standpoint, these new changes make me happy that we are witnessing them. Most certainly we are in awe of the glorious beauty of the changing leaves and we appreciate dawn being a little earlier. With that opportunity to enjoy the earlier daylight and while traveling the many side roads that take us on our annual trips to our favorite cider mills and apple orchards (and you love animals like I do) you may be lucky enough to witness the beauty of nature with the animal’s scurrying around getting ready for fall and winter themselves. As for those apples and that sweet cider I don’t think you can beat the taste of a crisp Michigan apple washed down by the nectar from them Michigan apple cider. One of the reasons I think it’s easier to do all of this is because the kids and grandkids are now back in school and even though we’re still busy, I feel our daily pace seems to be a little less hectic. That affords us the extra energy to really enjoy the time when we are with the kids. But there is another change that is happening more and more right now and it makes me once again feel delighted that we are witnessing it. As I stated in my earlier article it’s not just the men that tend to the apple trees, take part in the cider making process, and welcome us when we visit an orchard, farm market or cider mill any longer. Today more and more women are coming to the forefront in the apple and cider business. This could be thanks to the many women within the apple and cider business who for years have been doing just that and have carved a path and given courage to other women today. I’m going to talk about four just such-women but from personal experience there’s a whole lot more than four. This article, and the one before, took route from my over 25 year hobby of visiting and getting to know the history and the people at our many Michigan’s mouth watering and delicious cider mills and orchards.
I want to start with Wanda Spicer from Spicer Orchards, Cider Mill and Winery in Fenton. I’ve known Wanda for a long time from going to and enjoying her and husband Al’s cider mill many, many times. She has always greeted me warmly and I know she personally along with market master Will, makes sure I get my Snow apples each fall. They’ve been growing and offering us bushels of wonderful friendship and goodies for 44 years. If you’ve never been there the farm market sits at the top of a hill overlooking their vast orchards, petting farm and fun area. Bring your camera, this mill and its surroundings offer great photo opportunities. She says “loves the work we do and would do it all over again.” She likes working with her family; she says “just as my mom used to say, now I am an extra set of eyes.” Wanda runs the tours and has put soap bars in the over 2000 trees to try and keep the deer away. She’s the bookkeeper, manages the bakery and donut room, plants strawberries, and is a peacekeeper, cuts the grass and “does whatever needs doing.” They get good community support and she said “life’s been good!”
After a great deal of thought on who to spotlight next, Wanda gave me the answer. She told me to make sure I call Linda Erwin, so here goes. Linda from Erwin Orchards, Cider Mill and Haunted Attractions in South Lyon has been greeting and helping folks there for the last 43 years. She is the manager of retail operations, the cider mill, the haunted area and U-Pick. She says “it’s called Agri-tainment.” Linda also helps in the office, oversees all the employees and does school tours. She’s looking forward to their new 28×40 3D barn. Done in black light it’s called Mr. Bee’s Big 3D Adventure. I will do my best to make sure to take my grandkids and nieces there to see it. One of her favorite memories was from a visit from Detroit Red Wings great Vladimir Konstantinov. Another memory was from a Fox Two News visit spotlighting a “Made in Michigan” segment. The orchard is 91 years old; Linda hopes to “see at least 9 more” making it to 100 years. Being another one of my favorite places I hope they and I are still around also.
Chris Diehl from Diehl’s Orchard and Cider Mill in Holly proudly told me their annual Ciderfest is September 24th and 25th this year. It’s with that same excitement that she told me “that she supports husband Mike any way she can” at the mill. After talking to her I can surely say she does just that and a whole lot more. She gives the tours. I know that from firsthand experience because she led a tour of seniors around from The Madison Heights Senior Center in which I was on. The tour includes an excellent video that provokes questions to help make your trip to Diehl’s all the more fun. Chris does the hiring and the training of employees, does the advertising and handles their website. She does public relations and donations. Diehl’s gives surplus items to soup kitchens and domestic abuse shelters. She said “I love working with kids, high school kids and education is my goal!” Quite a busy woman and a fun place don’t you think?
Finally I want to tell you about Karen Koan from Almar Orchards and Cider Mill in Flushing which is close to Flint. First of all she said “she loves people and has fun especially with the little kids.” She designs the mill tours, gets employees in key places, drives the fork lift trucks and blends together different kinds of apples for customers who she says “always ask for her”. She proudly states that husband Jim “counts heavily on me.” Their orchard is an organic orchard and with people trying to eat healthier now it is very timely. But her greatest joy she says is in sorting and grading the apples; she calls it “grouping.” She groups them by size, color and marks on skin. I found her to be very, very enthusiastic about her job and even though I’ve been to Almar Orchards and Cider Mill many, many times, Karen’s zest for her job makes me know I will be back again and again in the future.
Once again here are four women who not only bid us welcome when we visit the orchards and mills but also have taken on a large part of the everyday operations inside and out of the apple and cider industry. But like I said earlier I know there’s more than these four out there. Let us know of other women you feel should be mentioned in a future article. I may not have met them. This will spur me and give me the opportunity to take another glorious and tasty apple cider trip around our great state of Michigan during the fall season. My apple and cider journey has certainly brought many, many other wonderful people into my life besides these. As I write these articles and have said before, I feel I am a very lucky, lucky man!
Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery – Hillary Heeren
September 20th, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Queen
On Saturday September tenth, it was a beautiful day for Robinette’s to begin their one hundredth anniversary celebration! When I first arrived at Robinette’s Apple Haus and Winery I was told of different activities around the property including a horse-drawn hayride, a corn maze, a jumping pillow, wine-tasting, and a scavenger hunt!
It was great to experience the wonderful doughnuts and cider while sharing my passion of Michigan Apples! I was asked many questions by visitors regarding different aspects of Michigan Apples including some about the grafting process, new apple strains, and harvest times for different varieties.
I was also asked for my autograph several times and with each autograph I signed I realized once again how much Michigan Apples are loved. It was a treat to meet with some visitors from out of state and even the country of Bosnia as well as having my picture taken with many people enjoying the day’s festivities.
I would like to thank the Robinette family and their employees for welcoming me so warmly to their wonderful family farm and market. I am truly honored to have been the first Michigan Apple Royalty to have been invited and the visit was even more memorable because I was able to help them celebrate one hundred years of Michigan Apple farming success!
Coast Guard Festival – Grand Haven
August 15th, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Queen
Alyson Wendzel – 2011 Michigan Apple Queen
This Saturday, I attended the Coast Guard Festival in Grand Haven. I was honored to be able to participate in a festival that honors the men and women that have risked their lives in the United States Coast Guard.
It was raining as we made our way to the line-up of the parade and it didn’t look like it was going to end anytime soon. I still found it enjoyable as I walked around and was able to meet the other queens accompanied by their courts, parade entries, and service men and women, but while doing so the bottom of my dress became damp. Suddenly my parade experience for the day was in jeopardy! I was told that my damp dress would damage the interior of the convertible. Fortunately being a well prepared queen, I brought an extra dress and the kind people of Grand Haven provided a house for me to change and freshen up in. I was also able to make a short phone call to my grandparents who were being honored as the grand marshals in the Coloma Glad-Peach Parade.
The rain continued throughout the parade route but this didn’t bother the spectators one bit. They were all in good spirits and were enthusiastic about Michigan Apples and also to be able to meet a queen. Somehow the rain and inclement weather seemed to be appropriate for a Coast Guard Festival that honors men and women that risk their lives in the worst that nature has to offer to save the lives of others.
Hillary Heeren – Michigan Apple Queen Court
On Saturday August sixth I traveled to Grand Haven. When I first arrived the sky was overcast but I was hopeful the rain would hold off. Although our unpredictable Michigan weather creates the most delicious apples in the world; for parades it creates flooded floats, soaked princesses, and drenched spectators. Even with the rain pouring down on parade participants and those who had staked out their parade viewing area, there were no dampened spirits to be found.
While walking around prior to the parade starting I was able to meet many people. One of the highlights of the day was when a Michigan State Police Trooper allowed me to sit behind the wheel of a Michigan State 
Police Camaro Cruiser. I was even lucky enough to have a couple other troopers ask me to take pictures with them by their police Harley motorcycles!
While the top of the convertible had to be up during the parade due to the rain showers it made for a different but nonetheless very pleasant experience. In mid-parade a couple of spectators approached the car and handed apples to both the driver of the convertible and me.
Even though the weather was not the best for a parade, the enthusiasm of the Grand Haven Coast Guard Festival crowd made it a wonderful event. In retrospect I would not have changed a single minute of my time spent in Grand Haven.
Monroe County Fair Parade – Hillary Heeren
August 4th, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Queen
On Sunday July Thirty-first I participated in the Monroe County Fair Parade. Before the parade began, I met Miss Michigan. As we began talking we found out we have many things in common the best of which was we both love Michigan Apples! I proudly presented her with a Michigan Apple pin to wear on her sash just like I wear on mine.
Like most summer days, the temperature soared but the heat did not deter people from coming out to watch the parade. I had a mom come up to me with her daughter and I think they asked me more questions about Michigan Apples than the judges when I was interviewed as a contestant in the Michigan Apple Queen Pageant! Of course I did not mind I found their
desire to learn more about Michigan Apples very refreshing!
Monroe’s downtown area is beautiful with many stunning buildings as well as a statue of General Custer. I am very thankful to have been invited to participate in this wonderful event!
A “SPARTAcular” Apple Affair!
July 21st, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Queen
Hillary Heeren – Michigan Apple Queen Court
On July sixteenth, I attended the Sparta Town and Country Days Parade. The Village of Sparta holds a special place in my heart because it was where I attended school. I still have fond memories of participating in the homecoming games in which the four high school classes fiercely competed for the “Red Apple” trophy!
Going back to Sparta, I knew I would be more than welcome because of the strong connections to the Michigan Apple Industry, be it apple growers, packers, shippers, or fans of great tasting Michigan Apples. While walking around before the parade, I was able to hand out Michigan Apple stickers to many children.
One of the highlights of this event was when I had time to visit with some of the farmers from the area to discuss this year’s apple crop. Currently, they all agree we should expect a good harvest.
Even though the mid-afternoon brought extreme heat, the people who attended the Sparta Town and Country Days Parade were undaunted in their cheering for Michigan Apples. Having attended and participated in this parade many times in the past, once again it was a “SPARTAcular” affair!
Michigan Apple Royalty Attends the National Cherry Festival
July 14th, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Queen
Alyson Wendzel – 2011 Michigan Apple Queen
Apart from apples, cherries are probably my favorite fruit so I was very excited to be able to attend the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City last weekend. The festival was every
thing I thought it would be and more! The day of the coronation ball I was able to walk around and see what the Cherry Festival was all about. There were rides, games, and food stand after food stand filled with everything from just plain sweet cherries to cherry flavored beef jerky! I really enjoyed the cherry smoothies though. That night my family and I attended the Cherry Queen’s Coronation Ball at the beautiful City Opera house. It was so exciting to see the new queen Jordan Bleaker crowned and hear about the exciting year she has coming up. At the ball I met other queens from all over the area and also service men. It ended up being a really fun night.
The next morning,
I got ready for the parade and even showed up a little early so that I could walk around and see the other parade entries and meet people. There were such creative float ideas and so many nice people who were very interested in what the Michigan Apple Queen was. My favorite question of the day though was when a little girl asked me how big my castle was and if she could come visit me some day. Even though it was a little hot out side, the actual parade was my favorite part of the entire festival. It was an honor to be riding in style in Rob Bennett’s vintage Mustang which got a ton of double takes during the day.
People watching were so energetic and many people yelled out how much they love Michigan apples! The most shocking part of the parade was when I heard my name being called out and I turned and saw three of my friends yelling and waving at me. It was so shocking because I had no idea they were coming and they had driven four and a half hours just to surprise me! It was perfect to end my day watching the festival’s beautiful fireworks show with them. I had such a great time at the National Cherry Festival, and I encourage everybody to attend this event. It’s a festival worth going back to year after year!
Hillary Heeren – Michigan Apple Queen Court
On Friday July eighth, I traveled up to Traverse City for the National Cherry Queen’s Coronation Ball. The theme of the ball was “A Royale Masquerade” and we were all invited to wear masks. It was an exciting event attended by many other royals from around the state to celebrate the new National Cherry Queen Jordan Blaker. It was interesting to hear the stories the other royals had to tell about things which have happened to them while reining.
On Saturday July ninth, the National Cherry Festival was winding down with the Cherry Royale Parade. Even though the festival was nearing its end, the parade was very well attended. Before the parade, I was able to share my love of Michigan Apples with many people including the President and First Lady of the National Cherry Festival Board of Governors. I was even able to speak with the State of Michigan Governor Rick Snyder, and he mentioned he loves Michigan Apples too! I then presented him with a Michigan Apple pin which made him smi
le.
For the parade, a local resident kindly drove us in his red mustang convertible. Some people thought the red color was for the cherries but I think it was to support Michigan Apples.
While on the parade route a group from the crowd asked, “What is your favorite fruit?” Alyson and I replied, “Apples!” Someone then shouted, “What is your second favorite fruit?” We responded, “Cherries!” To which the crowd cheered. Later I heard a woman in the crowd say, “Apples are my favorite fruit but don’t tell anyone” which made me smile.
The parade could not have been any more successful. There was plenty of sunshine, people, and good cheer. I will always have fond memories of the National Cherry Festival.
Michigan Apple Royalty Attends the Bavarian Festival
June 30th, 2011 by Michigan Apple Committee Filed Under: Queen
Alyson Wendzel – 2011 Michigan Apple Queen
Hello everyone!
On June 12, I traveled to Frankenmuth, Michigan to attend the Bavarian Festival. It was a beautiful day and there were a lot of people of all ages attending the parade. There were also a lot of people in lederhosen and dirndls which would be funny to see on any normal day but not at this festival!
My day started out with an authentic German breakfast at the Bavarian Inn Lodge. Although the food differed a bit from what I am used to for breakfast, I loved it just as much! After that we made our way to the parade route. I met so many different queens from all over such as the blueberry festival queen, the Bavarian Festival Princesses, and even the Bean Queen! I also was able to meet a lot of younger kids who were all very excited to wear Michigan Apple stickers and also to tell me about their love for apples which I was pretty happy to hear.
When I got into the car to start the parade, I was happy to realize that we were behind the band Polka Riot which was perfect musical entertainment for Hillary and me at this 
German festival.
After the parade, I was able to walk around and get to see more of what the Bavarian Festival was about. I met and talked to a lot of people who had questions such as how did I get to be Michigan Apple Queen and where I was from and even what kind of apples are the best in an apple pie. I even had a chance to polka dance with my grandpa to a live polka band! I don’t know if it was just my love for dancing or my German blood, but I could have polka danced all night! I was especially excited when other people from the festival asked if I would dance with them. It ended up being the perfect ending to a perfect day and it was great to be able to learn a little more about my German heritage and also to represent Michigan Apples!
Hillary Heeren – Michigan Apple Queen Court
Saturday June eleven, I headed east and spent the later part of the day enjoying the local festivities of the Bavarian Festival hosted in Frankenmuth. Some of the highlights were the wonderful German cuisine, the distinctive architecture, and the unique goods the shops had to offer.
On Sunday June twelve, the Bavarian Festival’s Parade was held. I arrived on the parade route a bit early and this allowed me a wonderful opportunity to meet others in the parade and people along the parade route. I was even lucky enough to find several people willing to trade their local pins for a Michigan Apple pin. Of course I was very happy to oblige with their request and thanked them for showing their support for Michigan Apples by proudly wearing their new pin.
As one of the larger parades I have been to, I was still amazed by the amount of people gathered along the parade route. I thoroughly enjoyed being after a polka rock band. At one point the parade came to a halt and the band began to play the chicken dance. I decided to participate while sitting in the car and even got some of the crowd to dance along with me. As the parade began to move again the crowd was in a very festive mood as I heard many boisterous cheers.
After the parade I visited Heritage Park where many people were gathered to watch the girls dressed in their beautiful German attire dancing around the maypole. Again there was
polka music filling the air and I was lucky enough to get a partner, a little girl who had her mommy ask “the princess” to dance.
Once in town again I met a couple visiting from Israel, two men from Japan, and a trio from India. I was thrilled for the opportunity to talk about Michigan apples with my new friends from other countries!
Overall the city of Frankenmuth is very charming and the Bavarian Festival was an event I will never forget.