5 women vie for Asparagus Queen crown

Contributed photo/The queen candidates include: top row left to right, Makynzie Curtis and Sami Weesies; bottom row Shannon Beishuizen, Katelyn Brown (virtually) and Jennifer Ramirez Coppedge.

HART — Five women are vying for the Asparagus Queen crown for the National Asparagus Festival, which is slated for June 12-14.

Queen candidates (listed alphabetically) include: Shannon Beishuizen sponsored by American Asparagus in New Era; Katelyn Brown sponsored by Springstead Law; Makynzie Curtis sponsored by A Bride’s Time in Ludington; Jennifer Ramirez Coppedge sponsored by Northwest Michigan Health Services; and Sami Weesies sponsored by Up North Garden Center.

NAF hosted an informational meeting at the Hart Community Center for the 2026 queen candidates Wednesday, April 8. They were offered a chance to learn more about the requirements of being the Asparagus Queen; enjoy refreshments provided by Stella’s Coffee House; and ask questions from the reigning Asparagus Queen Shelby Purdy and Runner-up Haley Walsworth.

‘“Candidates will participate in various activities throughout the month of May, including a tour of the West Michigan Research Station where they will get a crash course on the Michigan Asparagus industry, and even the opportunity to help pick asparagus,” states a press release. They will also participate in “one-on-one interviews” with a panel of judges to determine who will be the 2026 National Asparagus Queen and the 2026 National Asparagus Queen Runner-up.

Once again this year, instead of a formal pageant, a live announcement of the winner and a crowning ceremony will take place during the Friday night live concert event, June 12, featuring the band, Your Generation. 

Previous queens throughout the history of the National Asparagus Festival:

• Asparagus Queen 2025 — Shelby Purdy
• 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

The queen candidates, include: top row left to right, Makynzie Curtis and Sami Weesies; bottom row Shannon Beishuizen and Katelyn Brown and virtually Jennifer Ramirez Coppedge.

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