Asparagus Queen info meeting

HART — The National Asparagus Festival will host a public information meeting in the Hart City Hall Community Room Tuesday, March 31, at 6 p.m.

This year’s Asparagus Queen will be crowned at the pageant Saturday, June 6, at Shelby High School. During her reign, the Asparagus Queen will be featured in various parades and festivals throughout the State of Michigan, promoting the asparagus industry, Oceana County and the National Asparagus Festival. If you have ever wondered if you might enjoy being royalty, then you are encouraged to attend this informal, yet informative meeting with the 2014 Queen Danielle Kokx, Runner-Up Erin Fisher and Queen Coordinator Christine Rickard. There will be a short presentation, refreshments and a question-and-answer period.

To be an eligible candidate, a woman must be 19 years of age or older; reside in Oceana or surrounding counties; submit an application and secure a sponsor. As of 2013, marital status is no longer a factor — anyone may apply. There is a $100 sponsorship fee for each candidate. The sponsor’s name will appear in various publications prior to and after the pageant. The NAF Board of Directors and those involved strive to protect the integrity of the pageant as it has always been based on knowledge and personality rather than beauty; and all eligible women are welcome to consider this exciting opportunity. A background or experience with asparagus is not required, but strongly encouraged.

This year, the Queen’s Tea is set for Saturday, May 2. This is a required event for all interested candidates. Photos of each candidate will be taken for publication. All applications with sponsorship fees will be due no later than this time.

Queen applications are also available at nationalasparagusfestival.org.

For more info, contact the Rickard at nafqueencoordinator@gmail.com or 231-861-8110.