APPLE QUEEN PAGEANT TO BE HELD SATURDAY


LINCOLNTON -- Fifteen women are expected to compete in this year's Apple Queen Pageant, scheduled for Saturday 7 p.m. at the James W. Warren Citizen's Center.

It's the 30th year of the pageant, which is held about a month before the Lincoln County Apple Festival.

Special guest emcee is Charlotte television personality Larry Sprinkle.

The 2007 Apple Queen, Rachel Cochran, said the pageant is a "big deal."

One of the pageant's organizers, Shirley Smith, said Sprinkle has been with the pageant more than any other one person, meaning he's emceed more pageants.

"He's good at ad-libbing," said Smith, adding he does impersonations and is generally very funny.

The pageant includes a swimwear competition, also Sprinkle will be asking each of the contestants a question onstage. Pageant participants will also meet with the judges prior to the event.

Cochran's advice to contestants is simply "be yourself" and understand that even when you don't think anyone is watching you, people really are.

"Even without this crown on my head, people still remember me as the 2007 Apple Queen," said Cochran.

"Sweet Carolina Girls" is the theme for the 2008 pageant, and tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and children 12 and under.

The event is sponsored by Lincolnton Business and Professional Women's group.

RACHEL'S REIGN
10 contestants from across Lincoln County gathered Saturday night at the James W. Warren Citizens Center to compete for the title of 2007 Miss Lincoln County Apple Queen.

Rachel Lynne Cochran walked away with the honors and became the 2007 Apple Queen.

Cochran, the daughter of Perry and Wendy Cochran -- said preparation for the pageant was something for her on a very personal level.

“As far as getting ready, I did a lot of exercise,” said Cochran, adding her parents provided her the motivation for working towards winning the crown. “My dad, especially, was motivation for me.

One could say the work-ethic Apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, as her dad Perry never missed a day while working as a trooper for the North Carolina Highway Patrol. Likewise, Rachel Cochran never missed a day of school in 12 years of education.

“I wanted the most education I could get, so that’s why I didn’t want to miss a day of school,” said Cochran, a graduate of East Lincoln High School.

Dad Perry Cochran said his daughter did all of the work in preparing for the pageant.

“When she does something, she does it all the way,” said Cochran.

Rachel’s Mom, Wendy, thought her daughter winning the Apple Queen title was “amazing.”

“I wasn’t able to see her get crowned Homecoming Queen last year because of work,” said Cochran.

Rachel Cochran’s grandmother, Nancy Kiker, said she didn’t have any words to express how she felt. She did, however, provide insight into Rachel.

“She’ll do anything for anyone,” said Kiker. “I feel she is such a wonderful Granddaughter.”

The outer beauty also comes natural, according to Kiker.

“She doesn’t even have to put a comb through her hair,” said Kiker.

In addition to the scholarships for the Apple Queen Pageant, BPW gives a $1,000 scholarship to a senior from one of the local high schools. According to Caldwell, during the upcoming 2007-08 school year, to give a $1,000 scholarship to a senior to all four high schools.

For more information on the 2007 Lincoln County Apple Festival, call (704) 736-8452

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