Tulip Time Festival – Holland
Marissa Tidey – 2012 Michigan Apple Queen
Parade season has started! Saturday May 12, Emily and I kicked off the summer in not so summery weather with the Tulip Time Festival parade in Holland. Despite the lack of sun, we still had a great time visiting with one of the Grand Marshalls of the parade Dr. James Bultman as well as the popular Dutch Dancers. We also had the opportunity to chat with other Queens such as The Bavarian Queen, Miss South Haven, Miss Blossomtime and Miss Wheelchair Michigan.
As we strolled along the parade route handing out stickers, pencils, bookmarks and tattoos we couldn’t help but notice everyone’s main question, “how is the crop going to be this year?” Our answer, “we’re going to do our best!” We were even getting this question while riding down the street in the middle of the parade. We loved the enthusiasm and concern for the industry and were more than happy to get our picture taken in front of the “From Michigan For Michigan” vehicle. It just goes to show how many people really do support our local growers and Michigan Apples. Emily and I look forward to our next opportunity to meet the communities of our state.
Emily Heeren – Michigan Apple Queen Court
Saturday May 12, 2012 I had the pleasure to be part of the Tulip Time Festival in Holland, Michigan. The Muziekparade was the first of the many parades Queen Marissa and I will be a part of. The weather brought an overcast rainy day but even that did not deter a large crowd of people at the parade, and the whole town seemed to be cheerful. Before the parade began there was plenty of time to walk around and meet new people and talk with them about Michigan Apples. Marissa and I were able to get our picture taken with a group of the Dutch dancers, which was exciting. We also ran into Ronald McDonald who we were happy to get a picture with. McDonalds now uses Michigan Apples as part of their healthy choice alternatives menu. It was nice to see Ronald handing out Michigan Apple Dippers before the parade.
As the parade rolled down the street I heard many people talking about Michigan Apples. I even heard some of the parents of children say, “those are the girls that gave you the stickers”. There were also many shouts from people saying that they love Michigan Apples. Many people expressed sadness about the news reports saying the upcoming year’s crop would be diminished because they enjoy the fresh Michigan Apples each year. In all the parade was a success, and I was happy to have been able to be a part of it. I cannot wait until the next parade to continue promoting our wonderful Michigan Apples.