TRAVERSE CITY — The four 2025 National Cherry Queen finalists have been announced by the National Cherry Festival.
15 contestants were interviewed three times over two days. The judges evaluated the candidates for passion, poise, communication skills and their potential to represent the festival and the cherry industry.
Each of the finalists will get at least a $1,500 scholarship to the school of their choice, a wardrobe to wear during the festival and a chance to be selected as the next National Cherry Queen.
This year’s finalists are:
- Ainslee Hewitt, Traverse City
- Amelia Goodrich, Traverse City
- Callie Thomas, Williamsburg
- Norah VanWingerden, Kingsley
The finalists will be seen visiting different venues and events throughout the National Cherry Festival, which runs from June 28 - July 5, 2025.
The National Cherry Queen will be crowned on Friday, July 4. From there, the winner will represent the National Cherry Festival and our Northern Michigan cherry industry across the state and the nation.