The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® received a $20,000 grant from the Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)’s Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program (SEF) for its Air Show, Comedy Show, Blossom Artisan & Faire and Family Fun Party events.
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® will supply $20,000 in matching funds for the ten-day festival with over fifty exciting events, ensuring there is something for everyone to enjoy. From 2 parades and a 10K race to dances, luncheons, and dinners, the festivities offer a wide range of activities for all ages. This year, we aim to emphasize and focus on four new events to increase hotel occupancy and boost event attendance. The first weekend of the festival, Friday, April 25 to Sunday, April 27, 2025, we have three new events planned: the Air Show presented by Omps Funeral Home and Cremation Center at the Winchester Regional Airport, a Comedy Show, and the Blossom Artisan and Faire featuring a kids zone. Additionally, we have added the Valley Pediatric Dentistry Family Fun Party on Tuesday, April 29th, at the Tolley Dental Zone at Shenandoah University’s James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Event Center. These new events are set to attract visitors from outside the area, encouraging overnight stays and boosting tourism, in addition to the 50 other festival events. Our goal is to highlight these exciting additions and draw visitors from throughout the mid-Atlantic region.

Virginia Tourism Corporation will award more than $812,139 in matching grant funds to 81 special events and festivals as part of this program, ultimately impacting 324 combined partners. The VTC Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program is designed to leverage
local marketing and event production dollars with matching state funds to increase overnight visitation, improve the visitor experience, and increase traveler spending at Virginia special events and festivals. The program also extends the Virginia is for Lovers brand to drive special event and festival visitation. Each Go Virginia region is limited to 20% of available funds creating a matrix of sponsored special events and festivals statewide.

Using the hub and spoke tourism model to create multi-day itineraries, four Virginia entities partner financially to apply for funding. Partners may consist of Virginia cities, towns, counties, destination marketing organizations, restaurants, museums, attractions, and other tourism-related businesses. With the special event or festival as the main lure, the program is designed to encourage visitors to extend their stay to experience Virginia Main Streets, boutique shopping, unique restaurants, and historic sites creating significant economic impact driven by the special event or festival.

This funding cycle, local partners will commit more than $4.8 million in private-public sector funds to match the VTC funding, providing more than $5.62 million in new marketing and event production activity focused on increasing overnight visitation to Virginia in 2025. "At Wilkins Shoe Center, we not only enjoy the festivities and proudly sponsor an event, but being located in Old Town—where so many events take place—offers excellent exposure for our store. We've made lasting connections with customers who return from all over  the country after discovering our 'mom and pop shop' during the festival. Many of our loyal customers choose shoes that combine style and comfort, making them ideal for their adventures along the Apple Blossom Trail of events."
Kendra and Phil Brewer
Wilkins Shoe Center

“Special events and festivals are at the heart of what makes Virginia such a unique and vibrant destination,” said Rita McClenny, President and CEO of Virginia Tourism Corporation. “We are excited to support these events through the Special Events & Festivals Sponsorship Program, helping to create unforgettable experiences while increasing overnight visitation and traveler spending in Virginia.”

VTC will have additional grant and sponsorship rounds opening throughout 2025. Organizations and businesses that are interested in applying may visit vatc.org/grants for more information.

A full list of funding recipients for all grant programs can be found here.

Out-of-state visitors and Virginians alike are encouraged to visit www.virginia.org to start travel planning for these special events and festivals in the New Year.

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is a long-standing annual event held in Winchester, Virginia, typically in late April to early May. Established in 1924, the festival celebrates the region's apple-growing heritage with a wide array of activities and events that attract tens of thousands of visitors each year.

The festival also includes a pink-and-green theme, reflecting its iconic colors, and many participants dress in corresponding hues. It's a vibrant celebration of community spirit, agricultural heritage, and small-town charm.

About Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC)
Virginia is for Lovers is one of the most iconic and recognizable travel brands in the world. Using that powerful brand equity, Virginia Tourism Corporation (VTC) is charged with promoting the Commonwealth as a premier travel destination by showcasing all there is to love in a Virginia vacation. The dollars spent by travelers fuel the economy, provide jobs for Virginians, and improve communities across the state. Simply put, tourism helps make Virginia a great place to live, work, and vacation. Learn more at virginia.org.

​Five boys have been selected to serve as Pages in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII during the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, April 25th through May 4th, 2025. The Pages are Brody Michael Hott, Maximus James Keyser, Beau Rudolph Lowers, Blake Cooper Motichka, and Maxwell Douglas Patton.

Brody Hott is the son of Sarah Hott-Hight and stepson of Thomas Hight of Stephenson, VA and the son of Jeremy Hott of Winchester, VA. He is the grandson of Mary and David Hammond of Winchester, Elayne and Morris Gill of Fincastle, VA, Betty and Wayne Hott of Winchester, and the late Allen Hamrick. Brody is a fourth-grade student at Redbud Run Elementary School. He is a member of BRYSA Soccer and the Virginia Valley Vipers Basketball team.

Maximus Keyser is the son of Kimberly and Blaine Keyser of Round Hill, VA. He is the grandson of Mary and Michael Noel and Theodore Pennington all of Winchester, and Dawna and Allen Keyser of Frederick, MD. Maximus is a third-grade student at Round Hill Elementary School. He plays baseball, enjoys science and robotic activities, is a LEGO® fanatic, and often can be found playing with his siblings and friends.

Beau Lowers is the son of Stephanie Murphy-Rickard and stepson of David Rickard, both of Winchester. Beau is a fourth-grade student at Greenwood Mill Elementary School where he has started a comic book artist club. He is a member of the local flag football and basketball leagues. Beau is a member of Treehouse Music Studio where he is studying piano. He loves volunteering to read to animals at the local SPCA, collecting coins (numismatics), and recently helped his sibling collect donations for birthday cake kits to give to families in the community.

Blake “Cooper” Motichka is the son of Taylor and Jonathan Motichka of Winchester. He is the grandson of Teresa Hoffman of Winchester, Barb Motichka and Marjorie and Thomas Motichka, all three of Chambersburg, PA, and the late Tony Hoffman. He is a fourth-grade student at Powhatan School where he received a Powhatan Blue Award, an award to honor a student with exemplary behavior. Cooper is a member of Powhatan’s Battle of the Books (BOB) group and designed the shirt work for competitions. He enjoys golfing with his dad and being outside especially at the pool or on the lake with his family. He has an avid love for building, especially LEGO® creations.

Maxwell Patton is the son of Kristen and Kevin Patton of Winchester. He is the grandson of Patti and Steve Sale and Bobbi and Bruce Patton, all of Winchester. Maxwell is a fourth-grade student at Orchard View. He is a member of Red Lion Wrestling, Winchester Baseball, and the Frederick County Flag Football team. When not in competition, he enjoys hunting and fishing. His father, Kevin, was a page in the Court of Queen Shenandoah LXI, Mary Clancy Collins.

​The Pages will participate in the Coronation Ceremony of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII at John Handley High School on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, and will ride on the Queen’s float in the Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025.

​Landrie Bultrowicz is the daughter of Sadie and Scott Bultrowicz of Bunker Hill, WV. She is the granddaughter of Kimberly and R.K. Shirley of Stephens City, VA and Aracely and Scott Bultrowicz of Leesburg, VA. Landrie is a fourth-grade student at Mill Creek Intermediate. Outside of school, she enjoys softball and crochet. Her mother, Sadie, was a princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXXXVI, Rachel Lynn Matthews. 

Amelia “Mia” Hunt is the daughter of Jennifer and Douglas Hunt of Harpers Ferry, WV. She is the granddaughter of Kriste and John Strawbridge of Franklin, PA, Maria Quillin of Lexington, VA, and Rose and Guy Hunt of Clarksville, TN. Mia is a fourth-grade student at Driswood Elementary School. She is a member of team Epic Storm with the Epic Soccer Club and Kabletown Mountaineers 4H club. Mia volunteers in her community and loves crafting. Along with friends, she has a business Three Sisters Jewelry. She enjoys seeing new places, camping, and vacationing with her family. 

Hazel Kump is the daughter of Amy and Cyrus Kump of Winchester, VA. She is the granddaughter of Gayle and John Goodloe of Winchester and Susan and Cyrus Kump of Elkins, WV. Hazel is a fourth-grade student at Frederick Douglass Elementary School. She is a member of the Shenandoah Conservatory Arts Academy where she is studying ballet. Hazel is also a member of the Winchester Swim Team, Blue Ridge United Soccer, and The Bloom Children’s Choir. She attends First Presbyterian Church. Hazel’s mother, Amy, was a Little Maid to Queen Shenandoah LVI, Dana Lee Conners, and Maid of Honor in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXVIII, Jamie Nicole Dudney.

​Audrey Sutphin is the daughter of Ashley and Tim Sutphin of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Paula and R. Wayne Corbett and Kathy and Robert Sutphin, all of Winchester. Audrey is a fierce competitor in soccer, basketball, and swimming. She has been training in violin for 3 years and at Italia Performing Arts in ballet for 6 years. She enjoys creating art, spending time with family, being outdoors, and reading books, especially Harry Potter. Audrey attends Burnt Factory Church where she is an active part of the youth group and helps to serve meals at a local soup kitchen. Her mother, Ashley, was a Princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXXVII, Cydney Cathalene Chase.

​Andrea “Andie” Wadsworth is the daughter of Ann and Tony Wadsworth of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Andrea and Douglass Koenker and Ann and Larry Wadsworth, all of Winchester. Andie is a fourth-grade student at the Independent School of Winchester. She participates in the Winchester Country Club Tennis program and is a member of Go Valley Volleyball. Andie plays piano and is an avid reader. 

The Little Maids will participate in the Coronation Ceremony of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII at John Handley High School on Friday, May 2nd, 2025, and will ride on the Queen’s float in the Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 3rd, 2025

​Four young women from the Winchester area have been selected to serve as Maids in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII during the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, April 25th through May 4th, 2025. The Maids are Kimberly Maria Aikens, Ashlyn Carter Gerometta, Lindsay Wainwright Pifer, and MaryGrace Hawthorne Utz.

Kimberly Aikens is the daughter of Bridget and William Aikens of Winchester, VA. She is the granddaughter of Giselia and Mario Viegas of Vienna, VA and Elaine and Walter Aikens of Winchester. Kimberly is a sophomore at James Madison University (JMU) pursuing dual degrees in business and media arts and design. Her concentrations are marketing and creative advertising respectively. She sings soprano with The JMU Chorale and in JMU’s Vice President of Student Affairs Musical Seeds Open Mic. Kimberly auditioned and was selected by JMU’s College of Visual and Performing Arts to perform with The Madison Singers at Carnegie Hall in New York City for 2025. She is a member of the JMU Club Climbing team and the Latin Dance Club. Kimberly has been a member of the dean’s list since Fall of 2023. She is owner and operator of KMA Media LLC and a photojournalist for the award-winning JMU student newspaper, The Breeze. Kimberly is a 2023 graduate of James Wood High School (JWHS), where she was a member of the National Honor Society and Choir, serving as student president. She was named to the 2022 National Association for Music Education (NAfME) All National Honors Choir. She was the lead photographer and design editor of the JWHS yearbook, Woodbine. Kimberly danced 12 years with Vostrikov’s Academy of Ballet, taking classes in ballet, pointe, tap, and modern. Outside of her great accomplishments and hobbies, she also enjoys spending time reading, writing, drawing, playing guitar, running, and lifting weights. Kimberly’s mother, Bridget Aikens, is the current first vice president of The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®. Her father, William Aikens, was a page in the court of Queen Shenandoah LX, Candace Leona Savalas; and escorted Queen Shenandoah LXXII, Amanda Davies. Kimberly’s paternal grandmother, Elaine Aikens, was The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® President for the 2009 and 2010 festival years.

Ashlyn “Carter” Gerometta is the daughter of Natalie and Justin Gerometta of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Anita and Nathan Jenkins and Susie and Paul Gerometta, all of Winchester. Carter is a sophomore at Laurel Ridge Community College pursuing an Applied Science of Nursing degree. After completion of her Applied Science degree, she will continue to pursue a Bachelor’s of Science in Nursing. She is a member of the Student Nursing Association and Dean’s List. Carter is an Emergency Department Technician at Winchester Medical Center. She is an avid outdoors person who enjoys fishing, hunting, and hiking. She is a 2023 graduate of John Handley High School. Carter’s mother, Natalie Jenkins Gerometta, was a princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXX, Amber Elizabeth Medlin. 

​Lindsay Pifer is the daughter of Kim and Bill Pifer of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Toni Sloan and Dorothy Pifer, both of Winchester, and the late William T. Armstrong and Dr. William H. Pifer. Lindsay is a sophomore at James Madison University majoring in marketing and hospitality management. She is a member of Zeta Tau Alpha Fraternity, where she serves as Bid Day Chair. She has been a member of the dean’s list since Fall of 2023. Lindsay is a 2023 graduate of John Handley High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society and a Handley Scholar. She was a 4-year varsity volleyball player and was awarded Outstanding Athlete for best offensive player for two consecutive years from the Judges Athletic Association. She also played number three singles on the varsity tennis team during her senior year. Lindsay was the recipient of the Snag Sargent (best all-around athletics and scholarship) award. Lindsay’s mother, Kim Armstrong Pifer, was a Maid of Honor in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXII, Emily Sikking. Linday’s maternal grandmother, Toni Smith Sloan, was a Maid of Honor in the court of Queen Shenandoah XXXVII Luci Baines Johnson.. Her maternal grandfather, William Armstrong, was the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® President for the 2007 and 2008 festivals.   

MaryGrace Utz is the daughter of Anne Marie and Christopher Utz of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Frances and James “Pete” Lowe and Barbara Utz all of Winchester, and the late Donald Utz. MaryGrace is a sophomore at Laurel Ridge Community College. She is a 2023 graduate of James Wood High School where she was a member of the junior varsity volleyball team. She extended her love of volleyball outside of school by playing on several travel teams, including Go Volley!. When not volunteering within the community for multiple organizations, including Froggy’s Closet, she works with the residents at The Village at Orchard Ridge. She is proud to have taken part in the 2021 Miss Apple Blossom Scholarship Pageant. 

​The Maids will participate in the Coronation Ceremony to be held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at 1:30 p.m. at John Handley High School. They will ride on the Royal Float in the Grand Feature Parade scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025.

Winchester, VA – Don't miss the exciting kickoff event for the 2025 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®! Join us on January 25, 2025, at Millwood Station in Winchester for a night of fun and fellowship at The Floor Shop Cash Party, set in the land of Pink and Green. With over $4,100 in cash prizes up for grabs, including a grand prize of $3,000 sponsored by Skyline Fire Solutions, this is an event you won’t want to miss. Tickets are just $50, which includes a chance to win CASH prizes, an open bar sponsored by Berry Hill Logistics, and dinner from Claudio’s Pizzeria.
 
For those looking for an exclusive experience, a limited number of VIP reserve tables are available. The 8-person table ($650) and 4-person table ($325) packages include commemorative glasses, prime table locations, a bottle of wine, and more. The evening will be hosted by Mike O'Dell, adding to the fun atmosphere.
 
Proceeds from the event will support marching bands and special units for the Firefighters and Grand Feature Parades.
 
In addition to the cash prizes, enjoy silent and live auctions, sponsored by Marcy Obenchain Allstate, featuring signed memorabilia, travel experiences, gift baskets, wine tastings, and more. Keep an eye on the Apple Blossom Facebook page for a sneak peek at the incredible items up for auction. There will also be exciting games such as 50/50 drawings, bingo, card drawings, raffles, and tips.
 
If your business would like to donate an auction item or become a sponsor, please reach out to 540.662.3863 or email [email protected].
 
Get your tickets today at the Festival Office, located at 135 N Cameron Street, Winchester, VA 22601. The office is open Monday through Thursday, from 8 AM to 4 PM.

​Winchester, VA - The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is proud to announce the release of a brand new Limited Edition of Bloom-Opoly!  Created by the Centennial Crew, a committee that has been developing ideas and planning events to celebrate the upcoming Centennial Festival in 2027, this exclusive and commemorative board game celebrates the timeless traditions and supporters that have helped shape this extraordinary Festival to what it is today.  Not only does this board game honor many long-running local organizations and businesses, but it also highlights the longevity of many classic Festival events that are still favorites to our Bloom Nation to this day. 
 
We are sure Bloom-Opoly will make for some exciting game nights within our households and beyond.  Don’t miss your chance to own this exclusive limited edition of Bloom-Opoly!  All game sale proceeds will be used directly to fund the 100th Festival.  Games are priced at $50.00 and can be purchased online by visiting www.thebloom.com or by contacting Festival Headquarters at 540-662-3863.

The unveiling of the 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® annual theme, and its distinctive artwork, represents the official kickoff of the Festival every November. The theme announcement is the foundation for building momentum through the unveiling of newsworthy events and special guest announcements throughout the winter and early-spring months that lead up to the Festival which takes place from April 25 to May 4, 2025.

Hosted by the Festival’s Apple Club, the annual theme announcement is an anticipated and celebrated tradition. The messaging, design and development of the theme is a collaborate process through a series of meetings consisting of the Festival’s President, Executive Director, and Creative Director. Oftentimes the theme design reflects a fond tradition, detailed imagery and a catchy phrase endeared by the Festival President.

Jeremy Luttrell, Festival President states, “The symbolic change of season lets us know that the apples will soon be gone, and the apple trees will become dormant to protect themselves from the harsh winter ahead. The bleak and bare branches that winter brings will awaken from their slumber in the spring and delicate pink and white blossoms take their place in the “Field of Blooms”. The theme for the 98th Festival, “Field of Blooms” evokes the beauty of spring in the countryside where blossoms signal the promise of an abundant harvest ahead. This celebration of vibrant blossoms captures the spirit of new beginnings and the anticipation of all that is yet to come.”

The 98th theme is once again designed by the Festival’s talented Creative Director, Erik Zimmerman. In describing the theme design and inspiration, Zimmerman states, “Our theme title, “Field of Blooms”, was originally inspired by the popular 1989 film “Field of Dreams”. The large moon in the background was an iconic image from the movie poster. Instead of corn fields and farmland, I used apple blossom trees and mountains as a local feel. As the design progressed, it took on a bit of a “Wizard of Oz” flavor with abstract blossom trees, pink brick road, and atmospheric sky, done in a mixed media style of hand-drawn artwork and realistic photography. The finishing touch, a suggestion by President Jeremy Lutrell, was to add the apple within the moon, to represent the local apple industry and evolution from apple blossoms to apples. Overall, the color scheme and design is a playful and fun representation of the theme title and the Festival heritage.”

Event ticket sales will be announced at a later date. Tickets can be purchased in person at Festival Headquarters located at 135 North Cameron Street, by phone at (540) 662-3863 or through our online ticketing system at www.thebloom.com. Make plans now to join us for the 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® on April 25 to May 4, 2025.

We are proud to announce the first ever official vanity license plate commemorating the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®. Show your pink and green pride year-round with the floral design that is sure to turn heads wherever you travel, from the Commonwealth and beyond! 2025 marks the 98th Festival, with over 50 events spanning 10 days. This license plate allows you to support our community's homecoming every time you get behind the wheel. 

In our partnership with the Department of Motor Vehicles we must gather 450 pre-orders for this unique license plate prior to the General Assembly session in January 2025. We would like to give a special thanks to Delegate Bill Wiley and Senator Timmy French for offering to sponsor the design and legislation. The plate will be offered for an annual fee of $10 in addition to your standard registration. Please visit the link below to access the pre-order website and forms along with payment instructions. Once sufficient orders are placed, and the plate is approved by the General Assembly and Governor, you will be among the first to receive this beautiful license plate.

Please act fast and place your order so that we can get our Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival license plate on the streets without delay!

The Miss Apple Blossom and Miss Apple Blossom Teen Competition, presented by FNB Bank will be held at 7:00 pm on October 26, 2024, at Daniel Morgan Middle School, 48 S Purcell Ave, Winchester, VA. The winners will serve as hostesses for the 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® from April 25-May 4, 2025. They will visit numerous events and ride in the Firefighters’ Parade Friday, May 2nd and Grand Feature Parade Saturday, May 3rd.

The winner of the Miss Apple Blossom Festival and Miss Apple Blossom Teen will go on to compete at the 2025 Miss Virginia Competition.

Interested in competing for the title of Miss Apple Blossom and Miss Apple Blossom Teen? Visit missappleblossom.com for more information.

​2025 Miss Apple Blossom delegates

​2025 Miss Apple Blossom Teen delegates

Dust off your boots and get ready for a night of country fun at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Harvest Hoedown on Saturday, November 2, 2024, from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM at the picturesque Landfall Lodge located at 350 Chestnut Grove Rd. Winchester, VA. This lively autumn event will be packed with everything you love about fall—live music, dancing, a delicious dinner, a cash bar, and the beauty of vibrant fall foliage. With only 200 tickets available, this highly anticipated event is expected to sell out fast, so be sure to reserve your spot in advance! Tickets are priced at $55 per person.

Event Highlights:

• Live Music: Enjoy the sounds of the Nathan Bartgis Band, guaranteed to get you on the dance floor.
• Dinner: Feast on a mouthwatering dinner provided by Jordan Springs Market, featuring your favorite country-style dishes.
• Cash Bar: Sip on your favorite beverages while you take in the night’s festivities.
• Best Hoedown Outfit Contest: Come dressed to impress! The winner of the best hoedown outfit will receive 2 tickets to the 2025 Malloy Toyota Country Music Party.
• Raffle Baskets: Tickets for our exciting raffle baskets, generously donated by local farmers' markets, will be available for purchase!

Whether you're a seasoned dancer or just looking for a good time with friends and family, the Harvest Hoedown is the place to be this November. Don’t miss your chance to join us for this unforgettable evening of music, food, and fun.

Tickets are on sale now at www.thebloom.com or by calling the Festival office at 540-662-3863.