UNION — Applications are now being accepted for young ladies interested in vying for the title of 2014 Maine Wild Blueberry Queen. The Maine Wild Blueberry Queen serves as an ambassador for Maine's wild blueberry industry. She will appear in various statewide parades, and special and charitable events, not to mention participating in the Union Fair and Maine Wild Blueberry Festival, August 16-23.

Crowning of the Wild Blueberry Queen has been an annual tradition at the Union Fair for more than 50 years!

Eligible contestants must be a single lady and a high school graduate, 17 to 22 years of age, a Maine resident and available for appearances during the year. Applicants are ineligible from holding another title during the year of reign and must not compete for another title by the application closing. A panel of judges will evaluate each candidate in three categories: written essay, oral presentation and individual interview.

A sponsorship fee of $300 is required with each application. Multiple sponsors are acceptable and encouraged, but at least one must represent the Maine wild blueberry industry. Applications are due no later than July 31.The coronation will be held on Sunday, Aug. 17 at 8 p.m. at the Union Fair grandstand. All contestants for the coronation will attend opening day festivities of the Union Fair on Saturday, Aug. 16.

The 2014 Maine Wild Blueberry Queen will receive a $1,750 cash award; the Crown Princess receives $750; and Miss Congeniality will receive $300. Cash awards are donated by the Union Fair, the Maine Blueberry Commission and the Wild Blueberry Association of North America.

For more information, contact Maine Wild Blueberry Queen Coronation chairman Yvonne Drown by phone at 785-3564 or 542-0422, via email at tatradingco@yahoo.com or by mail at 48 Pushaw Road, Hope, ME 04847. To download an application, visit unionfair.org. Follow Maine WIld Blueberry Queen on Facebook.