UNION — Applications are being accepted for the title of 2015 Maine Wild Blueberry Queen. The Maine Wild Blueberry Queen serves as an ambassador for Maine’s wild blueberry industry. She will appear in various statewide parades, special and charitable events, not to mention participating in the Union Fair and Maine Wild Blueberry Festival, Aug. 22-29. Crowning of the Wild Blueberry Queen has been an annual tradition at the Union Fair for more than 50 years, according to a news release from Maine Wild Blueberry Queen Coronation chairwoman Yvonne Drown.
Contestants must be a high school graduate, a 17- to 22-year-old single woman and a Maine resident. She also must be available for appearances during the year. Applicants are ineligible from holding another title during the year of reign and must not compete for another title by the application closing. A panel of judges will evaluate each candidate in three categories: written essay, oral presentation and individual interview.
A sponsorship fee of $300 is required with application. Multiple sponsors are acceptable and encouraged, but at least one must represent the Maine wild blueberry industry. Applications are required by Aug. 1.
The coronation will be held at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 28, at the Union Fair grandstand. All contestants for the coronation will attend opening day festivities of the Union Fair Saturday, Aug. 16.
The 2015 Maine Wild Blueberry Queen will receive a $1,750 cash award; the Crown Princess, $750; and Miss Congeniality will receive $300, according to the release. Cash awards are donated by the Union Fair, the Maine Blueberry Commission, and the Wild Blueberry Association of North America.
For more information, call 542-0422, email at tatradingco@yahoo.com, or write to 48 Pushaw Road, Hope, ME 04847. To download an application, visit www.unionfair.org.
Send questions/comments to the editors.
