GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — Victoria Wittenbach of Belding, Mich. has been crowned the 2020 Michigan Apple Queen. Sarah Rasch of Grand Rapids, Mich. is first runner-up.
Wittenbach is the daughter of Michael and Marnie Wittenbach, and is a student at Grand Valley State University. She is the sister, daughter and granddaughter 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. “Before the competition, the candidates undergo a rigorous interview and essay writing process. Victoria will be very busy in 2020 representing the industry at various parades, schools, festivals, grocery store events and more.”
Wittenbach 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.
Rasch is the daughter of Barb Rasch and the late Ed Rasch, and is a student at Grand Valley State University. She is the daughter, granddaughter and niece of apple growers.
The 2020 Queen was crowned on December 10 at the 17th annual Michigan Apple Committee grower luncheon. It marks the 68th 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 link to the Michigan Apple industry. The Michigan Apple Committee sponsors the annual event. The queen and first runner-up each receive scholarships from the Michigan Apple Committee and the Michigan State Horticultural Society.
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.
— The Michigan Apple Committee
Original Post: Victoria Wittenberg Crowned Michigan Apple Queen
