Five women vie for the asparagus queen crown

Photos courtesy of Britani Dostal Photography 

HART — One of five candidates will be selected Saturday, June 7, to reign as the 2025 Asparagus Queen.

The candidates will meet with the judges panel Saturday, and the 2025 National Asparagus Queen and Runner-up will be announced. The queen and runner-up will be crowned Friday evening, June 13, during a free concert at the Oceana County Fairgrounds in Hart.

The National Asparagus Festival is set for the weekend of June 13-15, with the Joan Glover Royal Parade scheduled for Saturday, June 14, at 2 p.m. in Hart.

The following is biographical information that the five candidates provided:

Claire Gowell

Claire Gowell

Claire Gowell is an ambitious and curious college student. She is on her final year of college at the IAT program through MSU at MCC. In her final spring semester, she will study abroad in hopes of gaining more knowledge about agriculture in a different country. She grew up working on her uncle’s farm to learn the ropes and hopefully take over the farm one day. She is still continuing that now. 

Claire describes herself as hardworking, trustworthy, and forward thinking. Claire’s hobbies include skiing, hunting, playing softball and working out. She shared that her family history in the asparagus industry has never been that big. “It all started with my great uncle who had a few acres of asparagus. When my grandfather took over the farm, he got rid of the asparagus due to his focus on apples and wanting to stay small. However, when my uncle took it over, he added asparagus back on the farm and added a few more acres as well. Claire explained that she is running for the 2025 Asparagus Queen because “I feel that we need the positives and the negatives about asparagus brought up to the consumers. I feel that this is a way for me to use my knowledge and to be able to share it with the consumers.”

When asked what would make her a good representative of the National Asparagus Festival and the Oceana County asparagus industry, Claire replied, “I am in my final year of college and am an upcoming asparagus grower. I have been around it for many years due to my uncle growing it. I have helped with everything from the mow down in the spring to the picking in the beginning of spring. My plan is to take it over once I am graduated and have learned all the ways of the farm from my uncle.” 

When asked what she plans to do with the $1,000 scholarship/charitable organization award, Claire shared that “I am hopeful that the $1,000 can possibly be given to a fellow agricultural student who is planning on going into the asparagus industry. I know how helpful the scholarships were for me when I was paying for tuition. I am hopeful to help our upcoming farmers.” 

Claire’s favorite way to eat asparagus is asparagus roll ups. It is a slice of ham with cream cheese all rolled around a spear of asparagus.

Claire is sponsored by Fleming Farms.

Olivia Porter

Olivia Porter 

Olivia is a junior at Michigan State University majoring in agriculture business management. She is the recruitment director for Sigma Alpha Professional Agricultural Sorority; a student of the honors college; and a member of Block and Bridle. She has excelled academically and earned dean’s list honors every semester while participating in various service projects through the honors college and her sorority.

Olivia describes herself as driven, outgoing, and curious. Her hobbies include: reading, staying active by participating in intramural sports, pickleball, scrapbooking, and spending time with friends.

Her grandparents live in Oceana County, so “I grew up attending the asparagus festival, and this summer I will be interning as a crop technician/scout at Wilbur Ellis of Hart.” Olivia explained that she is running for the 2025 National Asparagus Queen because “I have a true passion for agriculture and I would like to be a larger advocate for the agriculture industry. This title will allow me to interact with the community, support local produce, and connect with growers in the asparagus industry.” 

When asked what would make her a good representative of the National Asparagus fFestival and the Oceana County asparagus industry, Olivia replied “I would make a great representative because I have a connection and passion for agriculture and I would love to advocate for the asparagus industry as it is a large part of the community in Oceana County. I have experience in public speaking, event planning, and leadership roles. I am actively seeking out more experience in the asparagus industry as I have a job this summer as a crop scout.”

When asked what she plans to do with the $1,000 scholarship/charitable organization award, Olivia said:  “If I am crowned queen, I will use the $1,000 scholarship to finish my bachelor’s of science degree in agriculture business management. This award will help me continue to avoid student loan debt.”

Olivia’s favorite way to eat asparagus is to grill the stalks with garlic and parmesan alongside steak and potatoes. However, if eating at a restaurant, you can’t beat Open Hearth Grille’s deep-fried fresh asparagus. “It has been my absolute favorite since I was a little girl.”

Olivia is sponsored by Excel Propane of Hart. 

Shelby Purdy

Shelby Purdy 

Shelby enjoys remodeling and decorating her fixer-upper house with the help of her husband of 38 years. They have three children and four grandchildren together. Shelby was a former resident of Oceana County before moving to the east coast and now resides in Fremont. She loves spending time with her family, belly dancing, and camping in the great outdoors.

Shelby describes herself as engaging, radiant, and approachable. Her hobbies are belly dancing, sewing, and embroidering.

This is her second attempt to gain the title of Asparagus Queen. “I was crowned first runner-up in 1996. It was an exciting year — traveling north to Traverse City and south to Chicago, representing not only the NAF but tourism for the State of Michigan. I even got to visit the State Capital and meet our representatives. I wanted to get the word out about the nutritional value of asparagus for childbearing women — how rich in folic acid it is to aid in fetal development.”

Shelby explained that she is running for the 2025 National Asparagus Queen because “I have known about the pageant since 1986 when I first moved to beautiful West Michigan. Now that I have officially moved back into the area, I thought it would be fun to finish what I started in 1996. Letting everyone know that half a cup of cooked asparagus contains about 30 percent of a woman’s daily value of folic acid needed to help prevent neural tube defects in babies. It’s a subject near and dear to my heart.” 

When asked what would make her a good representative of the National Asparagus Festival and the Oceana County asparagus industry, Shelby replied, “Practice makes perfect, Momma used to say. As 1996 Mrs. Asparagus First Runner-Up, I know I have the knowledge and skill to do the job well. As a mature woman in my 50s I know kindness, grace and courage will help me do the job well.”

When asked what she plans to do with the $1,000 scholarship/charitable organization award, Shelby said that a donation would be made to Every Woman’s Place in Muskegon.

Her favorite way to eat asparagus is either steamed or boiled and chilled with a ranch dressing dip.

Shelby Purdy is sponsored by Reeman Farm Equipment of Fremont. 

Kaitlyn Sutton

Kaitlyn Sutton

Kaitlyn is an industrious young woman with a passion for food and community. In 2018, she began her journey in finding her love for healthy foods in schools when she began working for Whitehall District Schools as a salad, fruit, and vegetable prep cook while taking her general education credits at Muskegon Community College. She loved her role in the department and the focus on promoting fruits and vegetables. Kaitlyn later took a position as cook at Montague Area Public Schools, while continuing her education as a dual enrolled student at Muskegon Community College and Michigan State University Institute of Agricultural Technology.

Throughout her education and career, Kaitlyn also worked second part-time jobs to pay for her education, showcasing her hardworking nature and dedication to pursue her goals. She took a brief leave from working in public schools to complete her internship in food processing at Peterson Farms in Shelby, and later returned to Montague Public Area Schools as the kitchen manager in 2022. Beginning January 2025, Kaitlyn took on a position as a processing manager for Michigan State University Extension. Her new role is working with community partners including Montague Area Public Schools, Muskegon Area Intermediate School District, and Muskegon Area Career TechCenter under the Partnerships for Local Agriculture and Nutrition Transformation in Schools grant to form a farm-to-school commissary kitchen and food hub in West Michigan. Her work in the food hub would provide a link between small, local farmers and Muskegon and Oceana County schools to serve local produce, including fresh asparagus and locally grown and processed frozen asparagus. Kaitlyn also continues to work part-time at Farmhouse Kitchen and Market, a local foods-focused restaurant in Stony Lake. She is proud to be able to work for multiple entities promoting local foods. Kaitlyn would be honored to represent the National Asparagus Festival, the asparagus industry, and her home of Oceana County.

Kaitlyn describes herself as dependable, organized, and industrious. Kaitlyn’s hobbies include that she has “a great interest in local foods in schools as it combines my education in agriculture and my experience in school food service. I have pursued this interest, making it my career working as the production manager for a start-up farm-to-cafeteria kitchen and food hub with Michigan State University Extension. My hobbies include spending time with my dogs and volunteering with my church.”

Kaitlyn said that she doesn’t have much direct experience with the asparagus industry, but “I have prepared and served local asparagus in both restaurants and schools. I am also currently working to incorporate more local fruits and vegetables, including more asparagus, throughout schools and organizations throughout West Michigan.” Kaitlyn explained that she is running for the 2025 National Asparagus Queen title because “I have an interest in Michigan agriculture and participating in the pageant would provide me with many networking opportunities with experts in the industry.” When asked what would make her a good representative of the National Asparagus Festival and the Oceana County asparagus industry, she said, “I would be a good representative of the NAF and the Oceana County asparagus industry because I’ve dedicated my career to healthy foods in schools focusing on fruits and vegetables including local asparagus.”

When asked what she plans to do with the $1,000 scholarship/charitable organization award, Kaitlyn said, “I plan to use the scholarship money to further my education. Currently, I have two associate degrees and a two-year trade certificate, but greatly wish to gain a bachelor’s degree in food science. I have recently been accepted to the online food science and industry bachelor degree program offered by Kansas State University. I plan to use the flexibility of this program to gain my degree while continuing my work in local food production.”

Kaitlyn’s favorite way to eat asparagus is through testing and creating new recipes utilizing asparagus for school meals. “At home, my favorite way to prepare asparagus is roasted with a little olive oil and homemade steak seasoning for a quick and tasty side dish.”

Kaitlyn Sutton is sponsored by Farmhouse Kitchen and Market. 

Haley Walsworth

Haley Walsworth 

Haley Walsworth grew up in Hart on her family’s asparagus farm, Golden Stock Farms. She attended Hart High School and went on to attend Cornerstone University where she received a bachelor of arts in communication and a minor in film production. Raised in a hardworking agricultural environment, she developed a deep appreciation for community and the value of hard work. Haley has a passion for digital storytelling, video production and creating meaningful content.

Haley describes herself as bubbly, loyal, and compassionate. She is an avid reader, loves going for walks, baking, and enjoys a West Michigan beach.

“Asparagus has been a part of my family for as long as I have been alive. Since 1967, Golden Stock Farms has been a pillar to Oceana County’s asparagus industry. My grandpa, Richard “Dick” Walsworth started what he called, “the famous 13 rows of asparagus. “My dad, Ryan Walsworth and mom, Janice Walsworth took over the farm in 2004 where my dad sat on multiple ag boards in our community and grew the farm in acres. Being able to grow up on my family farm has created special memories, including making asparagus roll-ups and soup with my grandma, and helped me see from a young age the hard work that goes into producing this specialty crop.” Haley said she is running for the 2025 National Asparagus Queen because, “Our family farm has been a supporter of the National Asparagus Festival for years. I have grown up wanting to participate in the Asparagus Queen Pageant for many years. I’m excited to bring awareness and knowledge about the asparagus industry to our community and folks in all of Michigan.” 

When asked what would make her a good representative of the National Asparagus Festival and the Oceana county asparagus industry, Haley replied, “By growing up on an asparagus farm, I have inside knowledge on the day-to-day process of farming. I understand the struggles our farmers face every day. I want to be an advocate for asparagus farmers to have the tools they need to thrive to keep providing nutritious asparagus to our communities, Michigan and the United States.”

When asked what she plans to do with the $1,000 scholarship/charitable organization award, Haley said “I would be honored to donate back to my community.”

Her favorite way to eat asparagus is baked with parmesan cheese and broiled for a crispy top! “Delish!”

Haley Walsworth is sponsored by Golden Stock Farms.

Previous queens throughout the history of the National Asparagus Festival:

• Asparagus Queen 2023 – Emma Woller
• Asparagus Queen 2022- Grace Huffman
• Asparagus Queen 2021- Tara Oomen
• Asparagus Queen 2019- Alysha Sullivan
• Asparagus Queen 2018 – Kendra Larios-Mendez
• Asparagus Queen 2017 – Vicki Platt
• Asparagus Queen 2016 – Mary Harris
• Asparagus Queen 2015 ~ Courtney Kokx
• Asparagus Queen 2014 ~ Danielle Kokx
• Asparagus Queen 2013 ~ Amanda Dodge
• Ms. Asparagus 2012 ~ Del Merrill
• Mrs. Asparagus 2011 ~ Megan Roskam
• Mrs. Asparagus 2010 ~ Kimberly Morden
• Mrs. Asparagus 2009 ~ Bethann Riggs
• Mrs. Asparagus 2008 ~ Michele Amstutz
• Mrs. Asparagus 2007 ~ Heather Green
• Mrs. Asparagus 2006 ~ Ann Dold
• Mrs. Asparagus 2005 ~ Stephanie Wildey
• Mrs. Asparagus 2004 ~ Kendra Masunas
• Mrs. Asparagus 2003 – December Saucedo-Gonzalez
• Mrs. Asparagus 2002 ~ Sonya Hernandez-Joslin
• Mrs. Asparagus 2001 ~ Sarah Short
• Mrs. Asparagus 2000 ~ Linda Jonseck
• Mrs. Asparagus 1999 ~ Susan Tubbs
• Mrs. Asparagus 1998 ~ Starr Yoder
• Mrs. Asparagus 1997 ~ Kathy Grantz
• Mrs. Asparagus 1996 ~ Beth LaPorte
• Mrs. Asparagus 1995 ~ Cheryl Arcello
• Mrs. Asparagus 1994 ~ Michelle Monroe
• Mrs. Asparagus 1993 ~ Lorena Lindgren
• Mrs. Asparagus 1992 ~ Stacia Andres-Mooi
• Mrs. Asparagus 1991 ~ Tina Collier Houser
• ​Mrs. Asparagus 1990 ~ Kathy Carter
• Mrs. Asparagus 1989 ~ N. Joy Hamilton
• Mrs. Asparagus 1988 ~ Barbara Sheren
• Mrs. Asparagus 1987 ~ Lynn Glaser
• Mrs. Asparagus 1986 ~ Mary Ellen Rapes
• Mrs. Asparagus 1985 ~ Rebecca Wentzloff
• Mrs. Asparagus 1984 ~ Barbara Schultz
• Mrs. Asparagus 1983 ~ Denise Crum
• Mrs. Asparagus 1982 ~ Carol Waller
• Mrs. Asparagus 1981 ~ Mary Ann Carey
• Mrs. Asparagus 1980 ~ Brenda Ricksgers
• Mrs. Asparagus 1979 ~ Jackie Spierenburg
• Mrs. Asparagus 1978 ~ Penny Dawson
• Mrs. Asparagus 1977 ~ Phyllis Slocum
• Mrs. Asparagus 1976 ~ Joan Lund
• Mrs. Asparagus 1975 ~ Maxine Huggard

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