In light of the current COVID-19 pandemic and the CDC’s recent recommendation regarding large gatherings, the Board of Directors has made the painful decision to suspend all planning for the 93rd Festival. As you can imagine we do not take this difficult decision lightly, but one we had to make for the safety of our community. Please remember such an action is not without precedent. The Festival suspended all activities for four years during WWII.
In 2020, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® will be celebrating 93 years. It is usually the first weekend in May, around the same time the Apple trees blossom in the orchard fields. When the timing is right, it's just so beautiful to see the country side bloom with White, Pink, and Green. The city of Winchester, VA turns into one huge celebration of colors.
The Festival has grown from a one-day affair to a spectacular nine-day celebration with events consisting of a Wine Fest, Golf Tournament, Apple Pie Baking contest, several Dances, Amusement Rides, Fireman's Parade, Grand Feature Parade, Concert Band competition, Jazz Band competition, Prayer Brunch, Stag Luncheon, Coronation of the Queen, Sports Breakfast, 10K Race, and a Weekend in the Park with all kinds of arts and crafts.
If you would like to find out more information on the festival, visit their web site at: Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®. Please go to the Events page for a complete listing of events.
Bands, Celebrities, Athletes,
Wine-fest, Talent Contest
The Bloom has grown from a one-day affair to a spectacular nine-day celebration. Wine Festival, Golf Tournaments, Baking contests, Breakfasts, Luncheons, Dances, 10K Race, Coronation, Parties, and Parades. There have been Politicians, Hollywood Celebrities and Pro Athletes all who come to Winchester for this event. The Bands must compete in Jazz, Concert, and march in both Parades to be able to compete for the Sweepstakes Award (Best Band in Festival).
Fire trucks -
old and new, Fireworks
The largest display of fire fighting equipment in the nation can be seen during the Firefighters' parade. Over 300 units of equipment, celebrities, bands, beauty queens and special units twist their way along downtown Winchester. The 2020 Firefighters' Parade is coordinated by members of the Winchester and Frederick County firefighters for the 88th year. Apple Blossom revelers can finish their Friday at the Nightfest and Sheetz Fireworks Display, sponsored by 92.5 WINC FM
Floats, Carnival, Weekend in
the Park
Floats, bands, celebrities, classic cars, beauty queens, special units, and animals all make up the Grand Feature Parade winding through historic Winchester. Coordinated by the members of the Winchester Host Lions Club for the 77th year, the Grand Feature Parade presented by Chevrolet,
The Weekend in the Park has Over 250 juried crafts, people, and live entertainment that will be on hand displaying their talents. Fun for the entire family, the Apple Blossom Carnival Rides, produced by Powers Great American Midway and presented by Food Lion and Nabisco, offer a variety of activities. This event features over 30 carnival rides along with food and games.
With the Old Town Midway, you can shoot some hoops, throw some darts, eat some food or just go for a stroll on the Loudoun Street Mall. The Midway offers these things and much more. Featuring vendors from over twenty states, the Midway is full of carnival games, novelty items and food. Cotton candy, caramel apples and corn dogs are just a few of the favorites along with a variety of international foods.
Winchester, VA
22601
Keep in mind that I can go on, about the Cars, Fire Trucks, and Floats in the parade, but I would bore you. So I just took out all of that stuff and put in the good info, the Bands! That is the main reason I go. Bands travel from great distances to compete. Some just stop on their way to another more commercialized competition.
The Festival is held in Winchester/Frederick County Virginia, in the beautiful and historic Northern Shenandoah Valley, just 75 miles west of Washington, D.C. A small city with a rural atmosphere, Winchester is within easy driving time from Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, PA, Baltimore, MD and Richmond, VA. Crowds in excess of 300,000 attend the Festival each year. To find out about the History of the Apple Blossom Festival, feel free to go here to learn about it's beginning.
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Last Updated: 17 Mar 20
Take a peek at the sights and sounds of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® below. But if you want the full experience, “DISCOVER THE BLOOM!” from April 2 – May 3, 2020
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