TRAVERSE CITY — Four women — three from Traverse City and one from Kalkaska — learned Saturday that they were finalists for the National Cherry Festival’s Cherry Queen.
Lillian Gray, Magdalen Kleinrichert, and Georgia Walker of Traverse City, and Aubrey Manchester of Kalkaska scored the highest in two days of competitions, featuring three judged interviews and their delivery of a cherry industry speech. Friday and Saturday, the pool of 14 candidates also toured a local cherry farm, and participated in team-building activities. A panel of judges evaluated each contestant’s passion, poise, communication skills, and potential to serve as an ambassador for both the festival and the cherry industry, according to a Cherry Fest statement Saturday.
“These four accomplished young women now begin their journey toward becoming the 95th National Cherry Queen, participating in a week filled with interviews, community engagement, and signature festival events,” the statement said.
The Cherry Queen is crowned on July 10, during the 100th National Cherry Festival, taking place July 4–11.
The queen is an ambassador, representing the National Cherry Festival and the cherry industry at events across Michigan and beyond for her year-long reign.
Finalists receives a minimum $1,500 scholarship to the school of their choice and a festival wardrobe to wear throughout festival week; the queen receives a $10,000 scholarship and the runner-up, $2,000. Learn more at cherryfestival.org