Taylor Claflin named 66th Apple Blossom Queen

The 66th Apple Blossom took place at Riverside Middle School in Springfield on Friday, May 3 and Saturday, May 4.

Taylor Claflin was announced as this year’s queen. Her dancing partner was Matthew Winter. Members of her court are Lorelei Bertone, who was partnered with Logan Roundy and Molly Tennis, who was partnered with Armando Stettner.

Other contestants were Hannah Zierfus and her partner, Darius Saiful Ambar, and Lily Farnsworth and her partner, Ethan Bertone. The contestants selected Farnsworth and Ambar as Miss and Mr. Congeniality. The Director’s Choice awards went to Tennis and Winter.

Ashlee White volunteered as the new director. She was assisted by volunteer choreographers Ainsley Bertone and Suzanne Stern.

The Junior Apple Blossom couples included Jaelyn Briere-Smith with Thomas Jones, Arabella Chessman with Parker Olney, Sawyer Duford with Evan Keefe, Izabella Fraser with Dylan Chase, Olivia Kimball with Lincoln Strong, Juliette Nelson with Zurich Messina, Brynley Patch with Reed Wilson, Adelaide Peck with Wyatt Paul, Ayla Rose with Keoni McDonough, Addalynn Waysville with Brody McCarthy, Ashlyn Wheeler with Michael Blanchard and Melia Willis with Gavin Willis. White added a new award category this year; Junior Apple Blossom MVP awards went to Nelson, Peck, Melia Willis, Chase, and Paul.

The Master of Ceremonies, Thomas Field, provided the narrative for the evening. Marie Laplante volunteered, once again, to be the official photographer. The John Sullivan Band provided live music for everyone’s entertainment prior to the event and following the crowning of the queen.

SAPA TV videotaped the event and the show will be available for viewing on it website.

Springfield Hospital and the Apple Blossom production team are  grateful to everyone who supported this fundraising event for Springfield Hospital. Proceeds from this year’s event provide support for the Dr. E. Sherburne Lovell Health Career Award, as well as the services of the hospital.