For years, Mike and Tracy Bost's home on Walnut Street sat at the very corner where the Apple Festival Parade began. Every Apple Festival Saturday, the festival came knocking on their front door—sometimes even asking for a cup of coffee.
But their connection to the Apple Festival goes well beyond their front porch.
When I ran for Apple Festival Queen, Tracy helped me get ready for both the parade and the pageant, fixing my hair and making sure I looked my best. More importantly, she was a wonderful example of a strong Christian woman. Over the years, she's shared that same encouragement and care with countless young women who have participated in the pageant.
Together, Mike and Tracy have watched the Apple Festival become part of their family's story. As children, parents, and now grandparents, they've seen firsthand how traditions like the Apple Festival connect one generation to the next.
While many people know Mike through his public service, this conversation isn't about politics or titles. It's about home, family, and the traditions that keep people coming home year after year.