MARTINSBURG - Jennifer Lopez has worn his creations. So have Susan Lucci and Star Jones. He's outfitted events for Elton John and Barbara Walters. He's worked with The Rolling Stones.
And now, celebrity designer David Tutera will become part of the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival, when Queen Pomona, Lauren Linton, wears a gown designed by Tutera and provided by The Barn, the traditional outfitter of the Queen and her Court.
But most of this is a secret. Linton, a senior at Hedgesville High School, said she has been cautioned not to provide too many details.
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Queen Pomona, Lauren Linton, of the Mountain State Apple Harvest Festival.
"I feel very honored to be wearing this dress," she said. "It's a very generous gift."
A thorough interview was given to all candidates for Queen Pomona, who had to display knowledge of the local apple industry, describe their community involvement, and display poise and manners, said coronation co-chair Rhonda Golden.
Linton "is an awesome young lady," she said.
Even before her coronation, Linton has begun appearing at schools in the region, discussing apples in her "Shoot to Fruit" program, which introduces the industry to children.
"She's been a great ambassador," Golden said.
"The kids called me 'The Apple Lady,'" Linton said.
Linton, senior class president, National Honor Society president and president of the Tomahawk Warriors 4-H Club, said her next big goal is to attend Alderson Broaddus University in Phillipi - first to earn a four-year degree in nursing, and eventually to complete a graduate physician's assistant program.
Linton said she is looking forward to getting to know the members of her court, only two of whom she already knows from school. An identical twin, Linton said her sister isn't the glitzy type, and "didn't even apply" to be Queen Pomona.
"Her big thing is volleyball and basketball," she said.
Seventeen girls applied for the position of festival queen, Golden said, making this year's court one of the largest ever.
The festival runs through Sunday, beginning with The Royal Gala tonight in the Hollywood Ballroom at Hollywood Casino at Charles Town Races. A buffet dinner and dancing will complement the theme of "Hollywood's Golden Era." Tickets are $30 for a single and $50 for a couple, and should be purchased in advance.
Events on Friday begin with the Pomona Ladies' Brunch, and continue through the day. An apple pie judging will be at 1 p.m. at the Historic McFarland House, followed with evening events beginning at 6 p.m. with the queen's coronation at the Historic Apollo Theater, and reception at the Historic McFarland House.
The public is invited to Friday Night in the Square in downtown Martinsburg, a free event from 6 to 10 p.m. that features the band Souled Out.
Events on both Saturday and Sunday begin with the traditional Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast, served from 8 a.m. until noon on Saturday and 8 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Sunday, at the St. Stephen's School cafeteria, 100 E. Stephen St. The menu includes not only pancakes, but sausage, apples, sausage gravy, toast, juice and coffee.
Former Washington Redskins player Charlie Brown is the guest at the Celebrity Sports Breakfast, 8:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn on Foxcroft Avenue. In 1982, his rookie year, wide receiver Brown was part of the Super Bowl-winning Redskins team. He later played for the Atlanta Falcons, and today coaches a high school team in South Carolina.
Other events Saturday include the Apple Trample, for both walkers and runners, and the Grand Feature Parade, which kicks off at 1 p.m. on West King Street, winding through the city to conclude near Martinsburg High School. More than 180 units, including marching bands, floats, majorette-drum corps, dance companies, antique cars and motorcycle clubs, will be featured.
Saturday concludes with the Grand Ball at the Historic Shenandoah Hotel and Ballroom. Attended by festival celebrities and the queen and her court, the ball will feature the music of Cazhmiere. The event is BYOB.
On both Saturday and Sunday at the Roundhouse, crafters will be exhibiting their wares for sale. On Sunday, they will be joined by an antique car show and performances by local show choirs, according to festival president Barby Frankenberry.
Also on Sunday will be the traditional apple-peeling and apple pie-eating contests, and the naming of Little Miss and Little Mr. Appleseed. The winning babies receive a large trophy, a cash prize, a tiara or crown, and the right to ride in next year's parade.
Complete event and ticket information for all festival events can be found at www.msahf.com.
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