A Queen is Crowned

The lights were bright, the smiles were wide and the excitement inside the room could be felt long before the final name was called.

On Saturday, Sept. 26, the Red Flannel Festival Queen Pageant continued one of Cedar Springs’ most beloved traditions, bringing together contestants, families, and community members for an evening filled with anticipation and celebration.

The pageant once again highlighted the deep roots this tradition holds in Cedar Springs. Beginning with the very first Red Flannel Queen, Maxine Smith in 1939, the crowning of the Red Flannel Festival Queen has been a symbol of the generations of young women who have represented the festival, and Cedar Springs, with grace.

This year, Ms. Haddie Stuart, daughter of Dave and Crystal Stuart, was crowned Red Flannel Festival Queen.

Joining her on the 2026 Red Flannel Festival Court are Analina Piedra, daughter of Katie Piedra, and Kaylynn Grala; daughter of Luke and Erika Grala (Childs) who, herself, served as the 2004 Red Flannel Queen.

Contestants stood beneath the stage lights as family members leaned forward in their seats, cameras ready, waiting to capture a moment that will become part of Cedar Springs’ Red Flannel history.

The Red Flannel Prince and Princess were also named this past week, adding to the festival celebration. Darwin Gould was named Red Flannel Prince, and Paisley Keenan was named Red Flannel Princess.

The 2026 Red Flannel Grand Marshal, Nick Andres, was in attendance for the Prince and Princess ceremony and had the honor of pulling the names for this year’s young royalty.

With a new queen crowned, her court by her side and the Prince and Princess ready to join in the celebration, Cedar Springs now looks ahead to another Red Flannel Festival season filled with tradition, celebration and hometown pride.

Congratulations to this years Red Flannel Queen and Court, and to the Red Flannel Prince and Princess!