Kelley Chase crowned 2024 Michigan Apple Queen
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Kelley Chase of Conklin, Mich. has been crowned the 2024 Michigan Apple Queen.
Chase is the daughter of David and Janeen Chase, a student at Michigan State University, and is the daughter of Michigan apple growers.
“The Michigan Apple Queen has the great responsibility of serving as an ambassador for the Michigan Apple industry,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Kelley will be very busy in 2024 representing the industry at various parades, schools, festivals, grocery store events and more.”
Lauren Bull, of Newaygo, Mich. was named first runner up. Bull is the daughter of Travis and Barbara Bull and is a student at Newaygo High School.
The Queen and her Court will spend the next year attending events and festivals across Michigan as the face of the Michigan Apple industry. Chase will also visit schools throughout Michigan teaching students about apples.
The 2024 Queen was crowned on December 5 at the 20th annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon. It marks the 71st year of the competition that awards an apple representative based on poise, beauty, apple knowledge and public speaking ability.
Queen contestants must be between 17 and 23 years of age and have a close link to the Michigan Apple industry (daughter, granddaughter, niece, or cousin). The Michigan Apple Committee sponsors the annual event. The queen will receive scholarships from the Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan State Horticultural Society and ChoiceOne Bank.
The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit www.MichiganApples.com.
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