For Jacquelyn Ford, Being Queen is a Dream Come True

Jacquelyn Ford is thrilled about the Apple Harvest Festival. And she should be.

As the newly-crowned Apple Harvest Queen resides over Southington's biggest event, it's almost surreal to remember going to the fair through her childhood, enjoying the fritters and the carnival rides.

Now after being crowned queen at the Apple Harvest gala last week, she's combing through the crowds representing the town she grew up in.

"It was an out of body experience when I found out I won, it was a complete shock," Ford said. "It's very humbling and I was very honored to be picked."

But judge and Apple Harvest Hostess Coordinator Kim Horton and Apple Harvest Committee Chairman Christopher Palmieri said Ford's personality and effort made her a clear choice, although all the hostesses have done very well this year.

"Personality accounts for a big portion of this, we look at how they get along with people of all ages, and Jackie was just fantastic," Horton said. "She put in a lot of time and effort into doing this, and really did a great job."

Open to any high school senior, the Apple Harvest Festival program gives hostesses the responsibility of attending and spreading the word about the festival at community events like Music on the Green and the Italian Festival. 

They also help out with programs and events such as the STEPS car show and the Elks Club pasta dinner every Wednesday.

"I love it because it's giving back to the community," Ford said. "Particularly if it's a local service because I have received so many opportunities it only makes sense to give back."

Ford is the current Key Club treasurer at SHS, and she's involved in a program that performs for local nursing home residents. She'll be helping out during the Aplle Harvest Festival over the next two weeks.