Kus Reigns as Strawberry Queen

Romy Kus will reign over the 75th Copper Country Strawberry Festival as queen.

Kus was crowned in the annual ceremony at the Chassell Pavilion Friday evening. She is a 2023 graduate of Marquette High School. Kus plans to pursue a career as an anesthesiologist. She was sponsored by the Citrus Salon.

This year’s First Attendant is Sage Hietala, a a 2023 Chassell High School graduate. Houghton High School senior Robin Kisiel was voted Miss Congeniality by the other contestants.

At the Friday night ceremony, the Chassell Lions Club selected Dan Palosaari as Citizen of the Year, and Shannon Torala as Youth Citizen of the Year.

Lions club organizers report that sales of the festival’s signature strawberry shortcake were unusually brisk Friday, leading to the possibility that supplies could run out before the close of today’s festivities. Get yours early.

Scheduled events today include a pancake breakfast at the school from 7 until 10. Sales of shortcake and other refreshments at the Centennial Park Pavilion will resume at 9 this morning. The Strawberry Parade steps off at 11, and will be followed by the chicken barbecue, live music by Lightning Ridge, an open house at the Chassell Heritage Center, horse-drawn wagon rides, and children’s activities.

See the full schedule here.