Dec 8, 2022

Sylvia Freeland crowned Michigan Apple Queen

Sylvia Freeland of Kent City, Mich. has been crowned the 2023 Michigan Apple Queen.

Freeland is the daughter of Kirk and Billie Freeland, and is a student at Kent City High School. She is the niece of apple growers.

“The Michigan Apple Queen has the great responsibility of serving as an ambassador for the Michigan Apple industry,” said Diane Smith, executive director of the Michigan Apple Committee. “Sylvia will be very busy in 2023 representing the industry at various parades, schools, festivals, grocery store events and more.”

Freeland will spend the next year attending events and festivals across Michigan as the face of the Michigan Apple industry. She will also travel to schools throughout Michigan teaching students about apples.

She was crowned Dec. 6 at the 19th annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon during the Great Lakes Fruit, Vegetable and Farm Market EXPO in Grand Rapids. It marks the 70th year of the competition that awards an apple representative based on poise, beauty, apple knowledge and public speaking ability.

Queen contestants must be between 17 and 23 years of age and have a close link to the Michigan Apple industry (daughter, granddaughter, niece, or cousin). The Michigan Apple Committee sponsors the annual event. The queen will receive scholarships from the Michigan Apple Committee, Michigan State Horticultural Society and ChoiceOne Bank.

The Michigan Apple Committee is a grower-funded nonprofit organization devoted to marketing, education and research activities to distinguish the Michigan apple and encourage its consumption in Michigan and around the world. For more information, visit www.MichiganApples.com.

Sylvia Freeland, the 2023 Michigan Apple Queen, is crowned by 2022 Michigan Apple Queen Aubrey Rasch as 2022 Court Reaghan Dolphin looks on. Photo: Chris Koger