The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Board of Directors has unanimously elected Bridget Aikens to serve as President of the organization for the 100th and 101st Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® celebrations. Bridget succeeds Jeremy Luttrell, who now assumes the role of Past President after leading the Festival through its 98th and 99th celebrations.
Bridget has been a dedicated volunteer with the Festival for more than two decades. She began her service with the Miss Apple Blossom Festival Pageant in 2002 and served as co-chair alongside Linda Edwards from 2003 to 2012. During their tenure, two Miss Apple Blossom Festival titleholders—Kristi Glakas and Caitlin Uze—went on to earn the title of Miss Virginia. Since 2012, Bridget has served as a Festival Vice President, helping guide the organization through years of continued growth and success.
As the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® prepares to celebrate its Centennial in 2027, Bridget reflected on the honor of leading the organization during this historic milestone.
“What an incredible milestone -100 years! To me, the Festival represents the heart of our community and traditions that bring generations of people together every year. As we celebrate the Centennial, we also honor our past, recognize the countless people who make it all possible, and create beautiful memories with family and friends. What a beautiful testament to the generations of dedicated volunteers, supporters, and community members whose passion has kept this tradition alive for a century.
Seeing the smiles on everyone's faces, their excitement, and their dedication to the Festival and our community - what a powerful feeling! It is such a privilege to help preserve this cherished tradition for upcoming generations. As President of the 100th Celebration, I am so proud to honor the Festival's rich history, to celebrate how far we've come, and to look forward to the bright future that lies ahead.”
Bridget and her husband, William, were married in 2002 after meeting while attending James Madison University in Harrisonburg, Virginia. They have three daughters—Kimberly, Sofia, and Caroline—and three beloved dogs: Biscuit, Daisy, and Maggie. Festival leadership is a proud family tradition, as Bridget's mother-in-law, Elaine Aikens, served as Festival President for the 2009 and 2010 celebrations.
Outside of her Festival involvement, Bridget has been an Associate Realtor with Colony Realty for more than 24 years. She is actively involved in the community through service on the Executive Board of Virginia Youth Ballet, the James Wood High School Choral Booster Board, and the Parents Council at James Madison University. She and her family also enjoy serving in various ministries at First Presbyterian Church in downtown Winchester.
As President, Bridget Aikens will lead the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® through one of the most significant chapters in its history as the organization celebrates 100 years of community, tradition, volunteerism, and hospitality. The Centennial Celebration promises to honor the Festival's rich legacy while inspiring future generations to continue the tradition for years to come.
