State Rep. Brad Paquette, of Berrien Springs, welcomed the Blossomtime Kings and Queens of Southwest Michigan to the state Capitol today.

“Blossomtime is a cherished tradition in Southwest Michigan honoring our families, communities, and agricultural heritage,” Rep. Paquette said. “I was proud to host the 2019 Blossomtime Court for their annual trip to the state Capitol and to congratulate them on being part of a regional celebration spanning several generations.”

The pageant royalty spent the day touring the Capitol building, visiting legislative offices, and were introduced in both the House and Senate chambers. Their day also included a trip to Dimondale to tour the Michigan State Police Academy.

Joining Rep. Paquette to welcome the Court to the Capitol was State Rep. Aaron Miller, of Sturgis.

“The Blossomtime Festival and pageant are an important part of the Southwest Michigan community,” Miller said. “It offers students an opportunity to give back to their communities while at the same time giving them a chance to compete for college scholarships.”

Miss and Mr. Blossomtime 2019, their Courts of Honor, and the community Queens also recently presided over the Grand Floral Parade, held on Saturday, May 4. St. Joseph and Benton Harbor have hosted the parade since its inception in 1923, bu the Blossomtime Festival itself dates back even further to 1906. This year marks its 113^th anniversary.

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