National Cherry Queen Selection
Frequently Asked Questions

Selection Weekend - May 14 - 16, 2009


Q. Do I need a different outfit for each interview/speech?

A. No, however keep in mind that there are no dry-cleaning or laundry facilities accessible to us, so please plan accordingly.

Q. How much money should I bring with me?
A. Lodging, meals, and transportation while you're with us are paid. You may want to bring money for the group photo, Selection Weekend video, and/or items in the gift shop or farm market.

Q. Can I take my cell phone?
A. Sorry, no phone calls allowed. We will have a phone in the chaperone's room for emergency calls only.

Q. Since we are all legal adults (at least 19), why are we chaperoned all of the time?
A. We have chaperones for many reasons. The two main reasons are: 1) To be on call 24 hours a day to help when you may need it, and 2) To be the "bad guy" in certain situations so that you don't have to be.

Q. How many times is someone allowed to compete?
A. You may compete as many times as you wish as long as you still meet the eligibility requirements, and have not been chosen as the National Cherry Queen, or a Queen finalist for two years.

Q. Where do I get information on the Cherry Industry speech?
A. The Cherry Marketing Institute is a great place to start. Depending on the focus of your speech, many other sources of info may be utilized: cherry industry groups, farmers, doctors, chefs, the library, etc...

Q. How long are the Judges Interviews and Cherry Industry Speech?
A. Each interview will last about 3-4 minutes, and the Judges are provided with the list of questions. Your Cherry Industry Speech should be no longer than 4 minutes... and remember, NO notes, props, handouts, etc, are allowed except one 3X5 note card.

Q. What do I need to bring with me to the Queen Selection Weekend?
A. Other than your outfits and personal items, not much. The National Cherry Festival or the Great Wolf Lodge are not responsible for lost, broken, or stolen items that you do decide to bring. Cell phones (or any calls other than for emergencies) are not allowed.

Q. I live in Traverse City. Do I still have to stay overnight at the Great Wolf Lodge?
A. Yes. While competing for the title, you must be with us at all times. Our schedule is so tight that we can't risk someone being late. Also, it is our hope that this experience will allow you to bond with the other ladies.

Q. Can my family/ friends send (or drop off) items while I'm at the Great Wolf Lodge?
A. We encourage family and friends to send cards, flowers, or even gifts. These will be held at the Front Desk until a chaperone can pick them up. We try to deliver them to your room as soon as we receive them. Please note that things sent in the mail may not get here on time and we will have difficulty forwarding them to you.

Q. One of my relatives works as an Ambassador for the Cherry Festival, can I still compete?
A. Yes. If you meet the eligibility requirements, we won't exclude you from competition. Should you have (either biological or step) a mother, grandmother, or sister on the Queen's Committee, we would just ask that specific Queens Committee member to step down for the time that you are competing.

Q. If I am chosen as one of the four Final Candidates after Selection Weekend, what am I actually committing to?
A. If you have been chosen as a finalist, you need to return to Traverse City during the National Cherry Festival (and possibly a few days before the festival starts) to participate in events scheduled by the Queens Committee. You will need to stay with us at the hotel for the duration of the Festival. Meals, lodging, wardrobe, and transportation while you’re with us will be provided. You will need to provide a white formal gown, and shoes (accessories) for your wardrobe. As a finalist, you are competing for the National Cherry Queen title and will be expected to agree to the Queen contract in the event that you are chosen as the new Queen.

Q. If I am chosen as the new Queen, what am I actually committing to?
A. You are committing to one year of service for the National Cherry Festival. The Queens Committee will be arranging for you to attend and/or participate in festivals, events, or anything deemed necessary. We expect the Queen to do everything in her power to fulfill these obligations. We advise Queens who still attend college to inform their professors of their obligations to the National Cherry Festival so that arrangements can be made to make up work should school and Queen duties be in conflict. We also ask Queens to make sure that family members are aware of your obligations so that important family functions are not in conflict with your Queen duties. The National Cherry Festival and the Queens Committee will provide you with as much advance notice as possible, however many things do come up at the last minute, so be prepared. Activities include (but are not limited to) parades, appearances with public speaking, TV/Radio appearances, marketing trips for the National Cherry Festival or Cherry Industry, etc...