Asparagus Royalty
Each year, the National Asparagus Festival hosts a beautiful pageant and crowns the only Asparagus Queen in the country. The Asparagus Queen travels the state of Michigan promoting the asparagus industry of Oceana County, and encouraging Michiganders to support our local agriculture industry. All of the exposure and support goes back to the farmers who produce this wonderful vegetable we're known for.
Emma is the seventh recipient of a $1,000 scholarship to be used for further education, or a charitable donation to a local non-profit organization. A very special thank-you to the sponsors and pageant attendees for their generous contributions to continue to support this fund.
EMMA WOLLER
Sponsored by: Woller Shady Lane Farm
Emma Woller is a senior at Michigan State University studying Crop and Soil Science with a minor in Agribusiness Management. After graduation Emma will use this degree working with MSU Extension specializing in specialty crops in Michigan. Emma has grown up on her diverse family farm where she gained experience growing and harvesting asparagus along with other row crops and raising bottle calves. Emma grew up participating in Oceana County 4-H and was a part of Montague FFA. Emma was able to scout asparagus throughout Oceana County while being a scouting intern for Nutrien Ag
Solutions of Hart and working with MSU Extension while collecting TomCast data throughout the county in the off season. Emma is currently a Michigan Grown Michigan Great Ambassador for the Michigan Ag Council where she serves the community through farmers markets and festivals while promoting Michigan Agricultural. Emma has enjoyed her time volunteering within the Agronomy Club and Sigma Alpha at MSU hosting events promoting Michigan Farm Bureau’s Farm State of Mind Initiative which
supports farmers with mental illness. In her future she would like to be the connection between consumers and growers while being able to support growers with the advancements within the agriculture industry. Emma is excited to have the potential of being the Asparagus Queen.
CHELSI WALICKI
Sponsored by: Quick-Way Inc & Walicki's A-1 Auto Body & Towing
Chelsi is returning this year after serving as the 2022 Asparagus Queen Runner-Up. She had a great time in 2022 and would like to represent the NAF and Asparagus Industry again in 2023. She resides in Ludington but has a strong connection to Oceana County through her family. Following high school Chelsi earned her bachelor’s degree in accounting at Davenport University and has been employed as an Accountant with Quick-Way Inc of Ludington for the last 5 years. In her free time, she enjoys sports, volunteering with the Oceana County 4-H Youth program, and is a member of the Oceana County Farm Bureau. Her hopes are to begin construction on her new home in 2024 and start on her hobby farm. The events and appearances Chelsi participated in during 2022 has her thinking about new events for the festival and other opportunities to promote the NAF and asparagus industry. In 2023 Chelsi hopes to help the current board reinvigorate the festival to the true celebration it once was.
History of Asparagus Royalty
Thank you for your reign
Asparagus Queen 2023- Emma Woller
Asparagus Queen 2022- Grace Huffman
Asparagus Queen 2021- Tara Oomen
Asparagus Queen 2019- Alysha Sullivan
Asparagus Queen 2018 - Kendra Larios-Mendez
Asparagus Queen 2017 - Vicki Platt
Asparagus Queen 2016 - Mary Harris
Asparagus Queen 2015 ~ Courtney Kokx
Asparagus Queen 2014 ~ Danielle Kokx
Asparagus Queen 2013 ~ Amanda Dodge
Ms. Asparagus 2012 ~ Del Merrill
Mrs. Asparagus 2011 ~ Megan Roskam
Mrs. Asparagus 2010 ~ Kimberly Morden
Mrs. Asparagus 2009 ~ Bethann Riggs
Mrs. Asparagus 2008 ~ Michele Amstutz
Mrs. Asparagus 2007 ~ Heather Green
Mrs. Asparagus 2006 ~ Ann Dold
Mrs. Asparagus 2005 ~ Stephanie Wildey
Mrs. Asparagus 2004 ~ Kendra Masunas
Mrs. Asparagus 2003 - December Saucedo-Gonzalez
Mrs. Asparagus 2002 ~ Sonya Hernandez-Joslin
Mrs. Asparagus 2001 ~ Sarah Short
Mrs. Asparagus 2000 ~ Linda Jonseck
Mrs. Asparagus 1999 ~ Susan Tubbs
Mrs. Asparagus 1998 ~ Starr Yoder
Mrs. Asparagus 1997 ~ Kathy Grantz
Mrs. Asparagus 1996 ~ Beth LaPorte
Mrs. Asparagus 1995 ~ Cheryl Arcello
Mrs. Asparagus 1994 ~ Michelle Monroe
Mrs. Asparagus 1993 ~ Lorena Lindgren
Mrs. Asparagus 1992 ~ Stacia Andres-Mooi
Mrs. Asparagus 1991 ~ Tina Collier Houser
Mrs. Asparagus 1990 ~ Kathy Carter
Mrs. Asparagus 1989 ~ N. Joy Hamilton
Mrs. Asparagus 1988 ~ Barbara Sheren
Mrs. Asparagus 1987 ~ Lynn Glaser
Mrs. Asparagus 1986 ~ Mary Ellen Rapes
Mrs. Asparagus 1985 ~ Rebecca Wentzloff
Mrs. Asparagus 1984 ~ Barbara Schultz
Mrs. Asparagus 1983 ~ Denise Crum
Mrs. Asparagus 1982 ~ Carol Waller
Mrs. Asparagus 1981 ~ Mary Ann Carey
Mrs. Asparagus 1980 ~ Brenda Ricksgers
Mrs. Asparagus 1979 ~ Jackie Spierenburg
Mrs. Asparagus 1978 ~ Penny Dawson
Mrs. Asparagus 1977 ~ Phyllis Slocum
Mrs. Asparagus 1976 ~ Joan Lund
Mrs. Asparagus 1975 ~ Maxine Huggard