Royalty Information

A tradition of the National Cherry Festival continues with a Junior Royalty program, which includes elementary aged prince and princesses and our National Cherry Queen scholarship program.

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Courtney Fountain is 2005 Cherry Queen

Courtney Fountain
Courtney Fountain
BY LINDSAY VANHULLE
Record-Eagle staff writer

ACME - Newly named cherry queen Courtney Fountain covered her mouth with her hands, but she couldn't cover the smile that was beaming across her face.

"It's a whirlwind of emotion. I'm still in shock. I'm shaking," said Fountain, who was named 2005-2006 National Cherry Queen Friday night at the Grand Traverse Resort & Spa. "I'm just excited for it to start."

The mood was tense at the coronation ball. Fountain bested four other finalists, first-runner-up Janna Klein, 22, of Conklin, Rachel Pahssen, 20, of Traverse City, Elizabeth Rountree, 22, of Williamsburg, and Julie Teich, 22, of Owosso.

"This week there's been a lack of sleep and a lot of visiting everywhere," said Fountain, 21, of Traverse City. "I'm really excited to help support the industry. ... I really want to promote the medicinal ... aspects of the cherry."

Fountain studies biological sciences at Michigan State University.

Fountain will reign for one year, making appearances at other festivals and industry functions in Michigan and elsewhere, following in the footsteps of outgoing Cherry Queen Maggie Schneider.

The coronation ended an emotional year for Schneider, who dabbed her eyes during a speech from National Cherry Festival president Ed Nadeau and during a video featuring highlights from her year as queen.

"I've been crying since like five this morning. I just saw my crown back there, and it feels so weird to not have it on," Schneider said.

Finalist Pahssen said she was happy for Fountain.

"I can't even begin to say what we'll take away from this week," Pahssen said. "I'm just so excited to watch her this year."

Story courtesy Traverse City Record Eagle.


Questions?
Contact Sherri VanDyke, Director of Queen's Activities
National Cherry Festival Office
(231) 947-4230