Graham Jaehnig/Daily Mining Gazette 2026 Chassell Strawberry Festival Queen Dusty Lippold, center, is flanked by Miss Congeniality Lily Etalamaki, left, and First Attendant Callie Knuuttila, at Friday's Queen Coronation in Chassell.

CHASSELL – Dusty Lippold was crowned Strawberry Queen before a packed crowd at the Chassell Strawberry Festival Friday evening.

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Lippold is a graduate of Chassell High School, where she was an honors student and an active member of the National Honor Society for three years. She is currently employed as a barista at Bigby Coffee.

Lippold told the crowd her ambition and passion is to help people regain mobility and strength. She will soon move back to Missouri to attend Maryville University for physical therapy.

First Attendant is Callie Knuuttila, a Houghton High School graduate. Currently employed as a waitress at Applebee’s. She was hosted by J Jukuri Spa and Salon. She said her she wants to study psychology and become a defense attorney or a government representative.

Lily Etalamaki was named Miss Congeniality. She was hosted by Ed’s Used Auto Salvage. Etalamaki is a 2025 graduate of Chassell High School, where she was president and vice president of the National Honor Society. She is attending Adrian College, where she is majoring in Business and Sports Management.

For the Queen Competition, eight queen candidates each answered three questions asked by outgoing Strawberry Queen Cecelia Butler. While the judging was in process, the contestants assisted in showcasing the many food items up for bid at the Strawberry Auction. There was rigorous bidding for items ranging from fresh strawberries, cakes, cookies and jams. The auction is a fundraiser for the Chassell Lions Club, which has sponsored the Chassell Strawberry Festival since it began in 1949.