Laura Dietrich, the 2008 Michigan Apple Queen
Hi everyone,
I am Laura Dietrich and I am the 2008 Michigan Apple Queen. I am the daughter of a fifth generation apple grower and have been born and raised on an apple farm. I have had so much fun on my family farm with my siblings and cousins. We have great memories of picking apples, trimming trees, and learning about all the different varieties of apples from our grandfather, uncle and father.
I have always wanted to be the Michigan Apple Queen. When I was younger I would attend the pageants and watch the former contestants and queens walk the floor and answer the surprise questions. When I decided to run for the 2008 title I was very excited and a little nervous but I knew it would be a great experience and I am so thankful for this wonderful opportunity.
I have been doing so much over the spring and summer for the apple industry. In March I visited many schools, for March is reading month, and read books about apples. In April I attended my first major event where I flew to Orlando, Florida to be a judge for the National Pie Festival. I tasted and judged many different kinds of apple pies and also passed out awards to the top pie bakers.
My court and I have been to many parades including the Blossom Time Parade, the Frankenmuth Festival, and the Coast Guard Parade. We also attended the National Cherry Festival in Traverse City. However, I was not able to make it because I traveled to Australia for World Youth Day but my court did a great job representing the industry. Another event that we attended this summer was apple day at the West Michigan Whitecaps ball game. I threw out the first pitch of the game and we all got to enjoy a great ball game.
On days that I am not representing the industry I attend Aquinas College and I also work at a local produce market where I answer any questions the public may have about the Michigan apples we sell. I am very excited for all of my upcoming events in the next three months. I will be very busy and cannot wait for apple season to come into full swing.
