Centennial Extravaganza Set for April 23 – May 2, 2027
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is excited to announce that planning is officially underway for a historic milestone — the 100th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, taking place April 23 through May 2, 2027.
For a century, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival has brought together families, friends, visitors, businesses, volunteers and communities throughout the Winchester and Shenandoah Valley region to celebrate spring, agriculture, community spirit and the traditions that make the Festival unique.
The 100th Festival — a Centennial Extravaganza — will honor that remarkable history while looking toward the future with a celebration that combines beloved Festival traditions with exciting new events and experiences.
“This is a once-in-a-lifetime milestone for the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® and for our entire community,” said Bridget Aikens, Festival President. “100 years ago, a simple idea was rooted here in the Shenandoah Valley: to celebrate our orchards and the beauty of springtime. For the past century, generations of people have played a role in making the Festival what it is today; that small celebration from 1924 blossomed into something truly extraordinary. Our Centennial celebration will be a tribute to those individuals, families, businesses, volunteers and communities who have helped make the Festival a cherished Shenandoah Valley tradition.”
Help Us Make History
Planning is already underway, and the Festival has ambitious goals for its Centennial year. To bring these special projects and experiences to life, community and corporate support will be more important than ever.
Supporters and fans of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® are asked to become financial contributors to the Centennial celebration.
Proposed projects and initiatives that contributions could help support include:
- Centennial Historical Exhibition — A special exhibition at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley highlighting the Festival's rich 100-year history – March through August 2027.
- Past Queens, Court Members and Dignitaries— Accommodations and meals for special guests returning to Winchester for the Centennial.
- Centennial Homecoming Reunion — A gathering of past honorary guests, orchardists, representatives from the Festival's 13 original participating counties, supporters, volunteers and staff.
- Special Celebrity Guests —Attendance fees, travel, lodging and meals for exciting celebrity guests joining the Centennial celebration.
- Expanded Traditional Events — Enhancements to Coronation, the Festival's parades, the Souvenir Program Book and other cherished Festival traditions.
- “100 Stories of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival – Celebrating 100 Years” — Production and printing of local author and historian Mike Robinson's commemorative book celebrating 100 Stories from the Festival's history.
- Community-Wide Centennial Scavenger Hunt — An interactive experience encouraging residents and visitors to explore the community and celebrate the Festival's history.
- Commemorative Centennial Coin — A special keepsake celebrating 100 years of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.
- Bloom the Town Challenge – We want to see our Bloomtown flooding in pink and green – bloom your driveways, bloom your yards / storefronts, etc.
“This celebration belongs to the entire community,” said Brad Veach, Festival Executive Director. “We have many exciting ideas and plans in place, but making the Centennial everything it can will require the support of our generous community, businesses and Festival family.”
Become Part of the Legacy
Individuals, families, businesses and organizations interested in supporting the Centennial celebration are encouraged to make a charitable contribution. Contributors will be proudly recognized on the Festival website, official souvenir program and other Centennial promotional materials.
After 100 years, the tradition continues — and the biggest celebration in Festival history is just beginning.
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by the Internal Revenue Service (EIN 54-0377058). Contributions may be tax deductible to the extent allowed by law. Donors are encouraged to consult their tax professional regarding the deductibility of their contribution.
For more information about Centennial sponsorship and contribution opportunities, visit www.thebloom.com or call (540) 662-3863.
