UNION, ME - Applications are now being accepted for the title of 2015 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, special and charitable events, and participate in the Union Fair and Maine Wild Blueberry Festival, August 22-29.

Crowning of the Wild Blueberry Queen has been an annual tradition at the Union Fair for over 50 years.

Contestants must be a high school graduate, 17 to 22 years of age, single, 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 application. Multiple sponsors are acceptable and encouraged, but at least one must represent the Maine wild blueberry industry. Applications are due no later than August 1, 2015.

The coronation will be held on Friday, August 28, at 7 p.m., at the Union Fair grandstand. All contestants for the coronation will attend opening day festivities of the Union Fair on Saturday, August 16.

The 2015 Maine Wild Blueberry Queen will receive a $1,750 cash award; the Crown Princess, $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, interested individuals should contact Maine Wild Blueberry Queen Coronation chair Yvonne Drown. She may be reached by phone at 542-0422, via e-mail at tatradingco@yahoo.com, or by mail at 48 Pushaw Road, Hope, ME 04847.

For more information or to download an application, visit unionfair.org.