Published: July 10, 2009 10:55 pm      

Farmer's daughter named Cherry Queen

TRAVERSE CITY -- There's a new queen in town: Angela Sayler, an Elk Rapids High School graduate and daughter of a Williamsburg cherry farmer.

"It's not even happening to me," Sayler, 24, said Friday evening, moments after she bested three other finalists to capture the 2009-10 National Cherry Queen title. "I am in a daze. Oh, my God. This has been absolutely the best experience of my life."

Sayler is a 2007 graduate of Grand Valley State University and said she'll use her $8,250 scholarship prize to continue her education. She plans to seek a master's degree in business while spending a year on the festival and food show circuit touting Traverse City and the cherry industry.

Stephanie Paulosky, also of Williamsburg, earned first runner-up honors and will receive $1,750 in scholarship money.

"This has been absolutely an incredible blessing for all of us," Paulosky said. "I know in my heart that Angela will be an incredible representative, and I couldn't be happier for her."

The other two finalists included Samantha Dunn, of Gaylord, and Franki Price, of Elk Rapids.

Sayler succeeds Megan Umulis, who said she enjoyed travel opportunities afforded her as cherry queen. Umulis said she'll begin employment at Village Press, Inc. and will continue to travel as part of her new job.

"It's bittersweet," Umulis said. "This program has given me a lot of opportunities, but I'm ready to start a new chapter of my life."

Her advice for Sayler: "Take advantage of each moment you are involved in the industry, the community and the festival. The year goes by really fast."

Cindy Weber knows the story well. She was the 1987 Cherry Queen, and her fondest memories include a cherry ice cream social she hosted for members of the U.S. Congress. She also presented a cherry pie to then-Vice President George H. W. Bush.

"That cherry pie was x-rayed two or three times," Weber said. "How can I ever repay the festival for memories like those?"

Live and silent auctions were included in this year's coronation festivities at the City Opera House. Proceeds are to be used for the cherry queen scholarship program.