FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                                                    Contact: Diane Smith
December 4, 2009                                                                                          (800) 456-2753


(Note: Photos available upon request.)
Six contestants vie for title of Michigan Apple Queen

(Grand Rapids, Mich.) — Six young women, each with family connections to the Michigan Apple industry, will compete for the title of 2010 Michigan Apple Queen next week.

The winner of the Michigan Apple Queen Pageant will serve as an ambassador on behalf of the industry and make appearances in parades, festivals and other special events.  She will also visit local schools and teach children about the apple industry.

Contestants must be between 17 and 23 and have a link to the apple industry.  Each will be judged on several factors, including poise, professionalism and apple industry knowledge.  They will take part in one-on-one interviews with judges, an evening gown competition and a live onstage interview question. 

Competing for the title are:

  • Denise Gavin, 19, of Grand Rapids. Daughter of Michael Gavin and Maria Mursch, Denise attends Grand Rapids Community College

  • Amanda Geldersma, 17, of Belding. Daughter of Douglas and Debora Geldersma, Amanda attends Lowell High School

  • Ashtin Kubec, 21, of Gowen. Daughter of Richard and Christine Kubec, Ashtin attends Central Michigan University

  • Kirstin Miller, 19, of Vassar. Daughter of Adam and Jennifer Miller, Kirstin attends Central Michigan University

  • Katie Rasch, 19, of Conklin. Daughter of Joe and Mary Rasch, Katie attends Grand Valley State University

  • Emma Wyrick, 19, of St. Johns. Daughter of Ken and Sandy Wyrick, Emma attends Baker College.

The pageant takes place Tuesday, Dec. 8, in the Ambassador Ballroom of the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel in Grand Rapids.  The Michigan Apple Committee along with the Michigan Horticultural Society Auxiliary sponsors the event, which begins at 8 p.m.

This marks the 59th year of the queen competition.  2009 Michigan Apple Queen Amber Nyblad of Conklin has enjoyed her year-long reign as queen, making many public appearances.

According to the Michigan Apple Committee, apples are Michigan’s most valuable fruit crop, with an annual economic impact of $770 million to the state of Michigan.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to promotion, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan Apple and encourage its consumption by consumers in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit MichiganApples.com.

 

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(800) 456-2753           MichiganApples.com 13105 Schavey Rd., Ste. 2, DeWitt, MI 48820