By By ERIKA PICKLES / Niles Daily Star
NILES – The Miss Apple Festival Queen contest took place Saturday evening in a full auditorium at Niles High School. This is the 31st year for the event, while it marked the 10th year for the Jr. Miss Contest.
A total of 19 girls went out for the title of Jr. Miss Apple Festival, while eight hoped to capture Miss Apple Festival 2007.
In the end, Elizabeth Miller of Niles took home the Queen crown, while Rachel Zeider of Niles won the Jr. Miss title.
"I'm very excited," Miller said after receiving her crown. When asked what she would be looking forward to for the next year, her reply was simple. "Carmel apples, parades and getting to meet new people from all around the Four Flags area."
Miller, 17, a senior at Niles Senior High School, is the daughter of Herbert and Joyce Miller.
Her court includes first runner-up Ciara Brown, 16, a senior at Edwardsburg High School and second runner-up Jasmine Neldon, 16, a junior at Brandywine High School. Miss Congeniality went to Becky Modlin, 17, a senior at Brandywine High School.
Miller will receive a mom crown pin, a crown pin, 12 tanning sessions at Rana's, a $100 gift certificate to Wedding Bells, a free 8×10 from Lori Diane Photography, a $40 gift certificate to Tippy Toes and a $500 scholarship.
Zeider, 13, a freshman at Niles Senior High School, is the daughter of Scott and Kathy Zeider.
"I'm very excited that I am able to go on the rides for free," Zeider said after being crowned. "I'm looking forward to meeting a ton of new people and also being a role model to others in the area."
Her court includes first runner-up Brittanie Ritchey,15, a freshman at Brandywine Senior High School and Miss Congeniality Lauren Leonard, a 15-year-old freshman at Brandywine Senior High School.
Zeider will receive a hair cut, mom crown pin, crown pin, a $100 gift certificate to Wedding Bells, 12 free tanning sessions at Rana's and a free 8×10 from Lori Diane Photography.
The night included an opening number by all contestants, followed by introductions and first and second appearances of all hopefuls in their gowns and dresses. The Jr. Miss contestants were narrowed down to eight, while the Miss contestants were all able to advance.
In the on stage questions round, some contestants seemed a bit off guard, as some questions asked were "Describe your future husband," and "With it being football season, show us your best touchdown dance."
Before the crowning of the new queens, 2006 Miss Apple Festival Angel Brown and 2006 Jr. Miss Apple Festival Tiffany Rogers said farewell and share memories of a great year..