Asparagus Queen meeting April 5.

The 2015 Asparagus Queen Courtney Kokx, left, and Runner Up Konnie Vandervelde.

HART — The National Asparagus Festival will host a public information meeting in the Hart City Hall Community Center Tuesday, April 5, at 6 p.m.

This year’s Asparagus Queen will be crowned at the Queen’s Pageant & Fundraiser Saturday, June 4, 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 come for this informal, yet informative meeting with the 2015 Queen Courtney Kokx; Runner-Up Konnie Vandervelde and Queen Coordinator Christine Rickard. There will be a short presentation and a question-and-answer period.

To be an eligible candidate:

1.      Applicant must be a female 2016 graduating high school student or older;
2.      Applicant must be a resident of Oceana, Mason, Newaygo or Muskegon counties;
3.      Applicant may be single or married;
4.      Knowledge or experience in the asparagus industry is recommended but not required.

There is a $100 sponsorship fee for each candidate. The sponsor’s name will appear in various publications prior to and after the pageant.

New in 2016, the winning candidate will be awarded a $1,000 scholarship to apply toward 1) her own further education in an accredited institution or 2) a charitable Oceana County organization that is approved by the National Asparagus Festival Board of Directors.

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. All eligible women are welcome to consider this exciting opportunity.

This year, the Queen’s Tea will be Saturday, May 7, at Harbor House of Hart. This is a required event for all interested candidates.  All applications with sponsorship fees are due at this time.

For more detailed information, contact the Queen Coordinator at nafqueencoordinator@gmail.com or 231-861-8110.