Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® President, Tommy Price, is very pleased to announce that Mia Jenelle Dorsett has accepted the role of Queen Shenandoah XCV-Designate for the 2022 Festival.  Mia is the youngest daughter of Janet and Tony Dorsett.  She is an eighteen-year-old first-year student at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth, Texas. Although she is part of an athletic family, Mia has found her passion in the arts. Musical theatre is her first love, and she is currently pursuing her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Musical Theatre at TCU. She is the recipient of a four-year TCU Chancellor’s Scholarship, the most prestigious scholarship awarded at TCU.
 
Mia's stage debut began at the age of 10, and she has been part of over 20 productions to this date.  Mia has a very strong work ethic and strives to always do her best in all things.  In high school, she was recognized as a Duke University TIP scholar and was inducted into both junior and senior National Honor Societies and served as secretary for the junior group. Mia was a member of her high school’s honor choir and was chosen as an TPSMEA All State musician.  During her freshman year of high school, she served in student government as a class representative. Mia is also a former member of the International Thespian Society Troupe 6605 and has twice performed at ITS nationals in Lincoln, Nebraska. She continues to strengthen her work ethic in college by being involved in many different organizations at TCU. Just in her first year, Mia has been a part of Leaders for Life, Theatre TCU Black Excellence, Frog Aides, and is a proud member of her sorority, Kappa Alpha Theta.
 
Since the age of 6, Mia has spent a week during the summer at Sky Ranch Christian camp in Van, Texas. Her last year of camp, she spent two weeks in Colorado at their Sigma camp, which provides a deeper focus on faith and beliefs. She has been honored to sing the national anthem at their annual fundraising gala several times. Mia has a true servant's heart and desires to be the hands and feet of Jesus. She has been blessed to serve as the 2022 service director for her sorority and hopes to continue finding ways to serve while in school. Before college, in the midst of all of her preparations for the next level of theatre, Mia found the time to travel to share the love of Christ through mission trips to orphanages in Chiapas, Mexico and the Dominican Republic and villages in Sri Lanka. She also spent eight days traveling with her choir's student ministry group in and around London, England performing and spreading the Gospel.
 
Mia is so grateful to be chosen as the next Queen and to follow in the steps of her sister, Jazmyn Dorsett, Queen Shenandoah LXXXV.  She is delighted to be a part of such an incredible tradition and looks forward to a great weekend in the Shenandoah Valley. The Dorsett family, including Tony and Janet, will accompany Mia during the 2022 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival ®.  Mia was designated to be Queen in 2020 but did not reign due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 
 
Queen Shenandoah XCV will be attending the The Village at Orchard Ridge Queen’s Dinner at 5 p.m. on April 28, at Millwood Station.  Her Coronation will be held at John Handley High School at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, April 29.  Mia will make appearances at various Festival events throughout the weekend, including the Firefighters’ Parade on Friday, April 29 at 5:30 p.m. and the glofiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, April 30 at 1:30 p.m.  Ticketing and Festival information are available at www.thebloom.com. 

​“Bloomin’ Good Times” are just around the corner!  Join the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival as we bring back many of the traditional events that our community has come to enjoy over the past 95 years.   Our celebration will take place between Friday, April 22 to Sunday, May 1, 2022 and will include the return of parades, races and many of the events that festival fans have come to enjoy. 

The What’s New at the 2022 Bloom-Part Two release below highlights tickets for events that are now on sale.  Festival planners expect tickets to sell quickly for many events, especially those at venues with limited seating capacity.  Festival goers are encouraged to order tickets early before popular events sell out.

​Miss Honorary Fire & Rescue Chief Contest
Since 1947, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® and local fire companies have chosen an Honorary Fire Chief to represent them in our annual Firefighters’ Parade. 
 
The Miss Honorary Fire & Rescue Chief contest takes place on Saturday, March 19, 2022, at Daniel Morgan Middle School at 7:00 pm.  Tickets are $10.00/ea.

​Apple Blossom Carnival Powers Great American Midway
The Apple Blossom Carnival Powers Great American Midway is your ticket to fun and excitement for all ages.   From thrill seeking rides to midway games, the Apple Blossom Carnival offers a variety of activities for the entire family.  The “Ride for One Price” is offered and can be purchased at the carnival site.  Cash Only. 
 
The Carnival will be located behind Ward Plaza on Valley Avenue and open on Friday, April 22, 2022, at 5:00 pm.  Visit www.thebloom.com for open dates and times throughout the week.

​**New Event** Apple Blossom Community Esports Event
The Apple Blossom Community Esports event is a Super Smash Bros. Ultimate event open to the public hosted at the Bright Box Theater in Old Town Winchester.  Bring your friends and enjoy an afternoon of “gaming” with the Shenandoah University Esports Team.
 
This event is FREE to enter and will run from 11am to 3pm EST on Saturday, April 23, 2022. All ages are welcome, and no controller is necessary to play! Simply walk into the Bright Box Theater and sit down and play for a chance to win a variety of prizes including Respawn Gaming Chairs.
 
​Food and drink will be available for purchase inside Bright Box.
 
Be on the lookout for another exciting Esports event in our next release!

​Valley Health Business at the Bloom
Valley Health Business at the Bloom is one of the largest gatherings of regional business leaders during the entire year.  Offering a terrific speaker and the opportunity to network with others in the business community, the luncheon is the perfect opportunity to entertain clients or reward valued employees. Business at the Bloom is a great way to kick off your Apple Blossom celebration!
 
The Valley Health Business at the Bloom will take place at the James R. Wilkins Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, at 11:00 am.  Tickets are $50.00/ea.

​Apple Pie Baking Contest
Do you enjoy baking?  Is apple pie one of your favorite desserts?  Then why not join others just like you who love a warm, delicious apple pie made from scratch, by participating in an apple pie baking contest!  Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market and MidAtlantic Farm Credit will be hosting the event in conjunction with the 95th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.  Spectators and family members are welcome to observe and show support to the contestants.  The winners of this contest will ride in the Firefighters’ Parade and the Grand Feature Parade.
 
The event is FREE and is hosted by Marker-Miller Farm Market on Thursday, April 28, 2022, at 9:00 am.  The first twenty applications will be accepted due to oven space and judging time.  If full, a waitlist will be created in case contestants cannot compete.

​Coventry Group Community Management Breakfast Walk
Back by popular demand, the Coventry Group Community Management Breakfast Walk will take place on Thursday morning, April 28, 2022, from 8:00 to 10:00 am at the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley.  Tickets are $25.00/ea.
 
This April 28th event includes a walk along the Museum of the Shenandoah Valley trails with views of pastures, wildlife, plants, and other natural elements, followed by a full breakfast outside, weather permitting, or under a tent. The walk will start and end at the Museum with breakfast served in the reception area and patio.
 
This is one of the first of many Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival weekend events with an opportunity to enjoy the Winchester great outdoors, visit with friends (or make new ones) and explore the museum and gardens free of charge.
 
Also, this is the first time it is being held at the MSV location and affords participants new and lasting adventures. Trails are easily accessible with paved and turf/mulched surfaces.  Walkers may choose the length they prefer of the three miles of trails within the 90 acres. Maps will be given out and signage is located along the routes.

​Prayer Lunch presented by Knouse Foods
Join the enthusiastic crowd that gathers to “Bless the Bloom”!  The interdenominational event has been a dynamic success with each Festival year since 2000 welcoming notable guest speakers Linda Davis, Ruth Graham McIntyre, Lisa Welchel, Kirk Cameron, Truitt Cathy, LaDonna Gatlin, Gigi Graham, Trudy Cathy White and Cissie Graham Lynch.
Celebrate the 23rd Prayer Lunch with attendees will be state and local dignitaries.  Opening ceremonies will include a salute to the American flag by the U.S. Marine Corps Honor Guard.
 
Featured performing guests will be announced at a later date.  Include a refreshing, inspirational dimension to your “Bloom Weekend”!
 
The Prayer Lunch will take place on Friday, April 29, 2022, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at Fellowship Bible Church.  Tickets are $40.00/ea.

​Firetruck Rodeo & Antique Truck Fest
Fire Engines - New and Old - at the Fire Truck Rodeo & Antique Truck Fest.  A day dedicated to fire trucks. 
 
In addition to seeing all types of fire engines, take in the Fire Truck Rodeo as firefighters drive the huge machines backward and forward through tightly spaced cones to the tick of a stopwatch. This competition begins at 9:30 a.m., rain or shine, and provides firefighters the chance to demonstrate their driving skills and improve the performance of their everyday driving.
 
Come on out for the chance to see antique and new fire engines, aerial ladders, and specialty vehicles up close. Many of the antique vehicles are more than 100 years old.
 
The Firetruck Rodeo & Antique Truck Fest is a FREE event that takes place on Friday, April 29, 2022, from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm at Millbrook High School

​Massage Envy Bloomers’ Luncheon
Ladies, are you ready for some “Bloomin’ Good Times?”  Enjoy the festivities surrounded by your girlfriends with dancing and plenty of fun at the Massage Envy Bloomers’ Luncheon!  This ladies-only event will feature the music of Souled Out, a sit-down luncheon, and an open bar with a variety of draft beers and some selected wines.  There will also be a cash bar available with a tantalizing selection of drinks. Enjoy yourselves surrounded by your friends at the Tolley Dental Zone, located at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University.  General Admission tickets are $40.00/ea, which includes your reserved seat, meal, select open bar drinks, and entertainment!  VIP Tickets are $80.00/ea and include everything listed with the General Admission ticket plus Apple Blossom swag, fast pass to skip the long entrance line, exclusive bar area and priority seating.  ID's will be checked at the door.  21 and older only.
 
Join your friends at the Massage Envy Bloomers’ Luncheon on Friday, April 30, 2022, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm. 

​Realty ONE Group
The Realty ONE Group Queen’s Ball returns to the historic George Washington Hotel Grand Ballroom in downtown Winchester on Friday evening, April 29, 2022, from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am.  Guests at this elegant event will enjoy hors d'oeuvres and an open bar, while dancing the night away to the sounds of Souled Out.
 
​Queen Shenandoah and her court will make a grand entrance during the evening and then stay to enjoy the ball held in the Queen's honor. Festival celebrities will also visit the event. This year's ball will provide the elegance and romance associated with one of the Festival's oldest and most popular events and will be centrally located in the midst of other events.
 
Black tie optional.  Tickets to the Realty ONE Group Queen’s Ball are $80/ea.

​Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast
Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast has been a fan favorite since 1966 where Sammy Baugh, of the Washington Redskins and Hall of Fame Pro Football player and coach was the first Sports Marshal. Adults and children have the opportunity to “make a memory” as they eat and listen to their “heroes” in sports. The breakfast also honors outstanding local high school and college athletes chosen to represent their schools as well as 2022 Apple Blossom Sports Hall of Fame inductees.
 
To help create an exciting experience, video screens are mounted to give everyone a better look at their favorite sports celebrities.  The drawing of door prizes will follow the breakfast.
 
The 2022 Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast will take place on Saturday morning, April 30, 2022, from 8:00 to 10:00 am (7:00 am for VIP ticketholders) at the James R. Wilkins, Jr Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University.  Reserved Seating + Breakfast tickets are $45.00/ea and VIP tickets are $125.00/ea and include sports celebrity pre-breakfast meet and greet + breakfast + preferred seating.  Only 50 VIP Experiences are available and will sell out fast!

​Country Music Party
The Country Music Party, presented by Shenandoah Country Q102, an iHeartMedia Station, will be held at the Tolley Dental Zone located at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Event Center at Shenandoah University on Saturday evening, April 30, 2022, from 8:00 pm to 12:00 am.
 
Continuing its tradition of offering great country acts at an amazingly affordable price. General admission tickets are $35.00/ea.
 
The Country Music Party entertainment lineup will be announced in the coming weeks.

​The 95th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is planning for “Bloomin’ Good Times” that include a full event lineup this spring.  Our 95th celebration will take place between Friday, April 22 to Sunday, May 1, 2022.   As in years past, the Festival will share its What’s New for 2022 series of press releases to disseminate important event dates and information to Festival fans.
 
Our 95th springtime extravaganza will bring back many of our traditional events and indoor venues that could not take place the last two years due to COVID restrictions and mandates.  Events like parades, races and other large events are in the planning stages.  Festival planners expect tickets to sell quickly for many events, especially those at venues with limited seating capacity.  Festival goers are encouraged to order tickets early before popular events sell out.
 
The What’s New at the 2022 Bloom-Part One release below highlights tickets for events that are now on sale.  The next release is expected to be distributed in the next 7-10 days and will highlight additional event tickets available for sale.

​United Bank Bloomin’ Wine Fest
Join us to "Uncork the Bloom" at the official kick-off of the 95th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®.  The United Bank Bloomin’ Wine Fest will return to Old Town Winchester on Friday, April 22 from 3:00 to 10:00 pm and Saturday, April 23, 2022 from 11:00 am to 6:00 pm.  Enjoy live entertainment, great food, spectacular Virginia wines, and wonderful company.  The United Bank Bloomin’ Wine Fest is presented by Colony Realty.
 
In 2022, the event returns to historic downtown Winchester featuring several of Virginia's finest wineries offering wines sold by the glass or bottle.  Beer lovers will be able to enjoy beer sold by the glass.  There will also be artisans bringing their own special flair, tasty Festival foods to try, and regional musical talents performing on stage.  The admission fee includes a souvenir wine glass and access to wine and hard cider tastings.  No outside food or drinks will be allowed inside the event area.  All items (including, and without limitations, backpacks and purses) are subject to search upon entry or re-entry.  No pets are allowed in the event area.  Sale of unopened bottles and cases will be available. 
 
Advance tickets are $25/day. At the gate tickets are $30/day. Non-drinking tickets are $10/day. 

​Virginia Business Systems Apple Blossom Golf Classic
The Virginia Business Systems Apple Blossom Golf Classic will take place on Friday, April 22, 2022 at Rock Harbor Golf Course located at 365 Rock Harbor Drive, Winchester, VA 22602.  The Virginia Business Systems Apple Blossom Golf Classic is a Captain's Choice event with a limit of 24 teams.  The tournament sells out every year so reserve your team in advance!
 
Team check-in and registration begins at Noon with a shotgun start at 1:00 pm.  Registration fee is $500 for a four-person team.  This covers golfing, fees, hospitality, and gifts.  Register online at www.thebloom.com or at the Festival office.
 
Playing the scramble format, there will be longest drive and closest to the pin contests, team prizes, golfer gift bag, and range balls for practice, which are all included in the registration fees. 

​**New Event** Breakfast with Miss Apple Blossom
2022 Miss Apple Blossom, Savannah Marcum, will welcome and entertain children of all ages as they enjoy an unforgettable breakfast experience. Parents and grandparents are encouraged to make this a generational family experience by also participating in the breakfast event. 
​
Delicious, apple-inspired breakfast treats will be prepared and served to all attendees as they meet and take photos with Miss Apple Blossom.  Be sure to dress in your best pink and green outfits or as your favorite princess.  This is sure to be an event that will create memories that will last a lifetime. 
 
Breakfast with Miss Apple Blossom is hosted and sponsored by West Oaks Farm Market located at ​1107 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602 from 9:00 am to 10:30 pm on Saturday morning, April 23, 2022.  Tickets are available for $25/adults and $15/children under 12.

​Cider Tastings & Orchard Tours
Cider Tastings and Orchard Tours will be offered at Marker-Miller Orchards Farm Market, 3035 Cedar Creek Grade, Winchester, VA 22602 on Sunday, April 24, 2022. Half-hour walking tours of the orchards will begin at 11 am, 12 noon, 1 pm, 2 pm, and 3 pm.  Marker-Miller is a local farm with a market.  Inside the market there are a variety of products to choose from and don't forget to check out their bakery and famous apple cider donuts. Wrap up your visit with a stop by Marker-Miller’s "Sweets Shop" where you can get fudge, hand dipped ice cream, or fruit slushies.
 
During the orchard tour, guides will dispense a wealth of information on the planting and growing of fruit trees, temperature sensitivity for blossoms, spraying and pruning and using the latest “green” methodology to protect the trees and promote tree and fruit growth, when and how to harvest, and much more.
​
Delicious food options will be available for purchase from various vendors on site as well as live music.  Participants are welcome to bring blankets or lawn chairs should they wish to sit outside following the tour and tasting.
 
The Cider Tastings & Orchard Tours is an outdoor event at Marker-Miller, please wear appropriate footwear.
 
Tickets are sold in one-hour blocks and are available for $20/each.

​Winchester Radiologists Pumps and Pearls Ladies Party
The Winchester Radiologists Pumps and Pearls Ladies Party will take place on Monday evening, April 25, 2022 from 6:00 to 9:00 pm at The Monument (new location) located in Old Town Winchester at 186 N Loudoun St, Winchester, VA 22601.  Tickets are $100 and include open bar, hors d’oeuvres, desserts, music, dancing, glamorous door prizes and the always popular - shoe contest.

Oldies Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance
Take a road trip...A Rock 'n' Roll Road Trip that is!  Meet your guide, Rick K, as he leads you through the Fabulous 50's, gets groovy with the 60's Explosion then hustles you into the 70's.  Rick K will be bringing his "Vegas Flash" show directly to you.  High-energy fun and crowd participation is "on this map"!  Buckle up tight and enjoy an evening of rock 'n' roll oldies with his amazing group.
 
The Oldies Rock ‘n’ Roll Dance has moved to a new day and location.  Join us on Wednesday evening, April 27, 2022, from 7:00 to 10:00 pm at the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University located at 1188 Ralph Shockey Dr., Winchester, VA 22602.  50 VIP tickets are available and include early (6:00 pm) admission, reserved seating with special table decorations and a 30-minute dance lesson before Rick K. Road Trip takes the stage.  Doors open for General Admission ticket holders at 6:45 pm. VIP tickets are $50/ea. General Admission is $35/ea.  Get your tickets early as this popular dance event is sure to sell out again!  Guests may purchase beer, select mixed drinks and non-alcoholic beverages.

​90’s Dance Party
The 90’s Dance Party is back in 2022 with a fresh, new act all the way from New York!  The 90’s Band is recognized as New York’s Hottest 90’s Tribute band-An authentic 90’s experience that takes you back in time.”  Whether you're still stuck in the 90's, or just missing it like crazy, The 90's Band is your fix! Playing your favorite hits from artists like Third Eye Blind, Alanis Morissette, Weezer, The Cranberries, Bush, and more! Come party with The 90's Band - New York's hottest tribute to the music of the '90s. An authentic experience that takes you back in time.
 
The 90’s Dance Party will be held from 8:00 p.m. to 12:00 AM at the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Event Center located on the campus of Shenandoah University at 1188 Ralph Shockey Dr., Winchester, VA 22602 ...Doors open at 7:00 p.m.  Guests may purchase beer and select mixed drinks.   Tickets are $35/ea.

​Highway Motors International Stag Luncheon
Men from across the area always look forward to the annual Highway Motors International Stag Luncheon.  Attendees enjoy food, open beer & bourbon bar, music, games, and fellowship. The Stag Lunch provides an opportunity for guys to reunite with old friends, many of whom might not have seen each other since last year’s event.
 
The Stag Luncheon will be at the Winchester Cold Storage located at 605 N North Loudoun St., Winchester, VA. Gates open at 10:45 am for VIP Access and 11:45 am for General Admission. VIP ticket holders enjoy early entrance and exclusive access to the VIP area. They also receive a free T-shirt, and cigar, as well as special food and drink. 21 and older only.
 
VIP tickets are $80/ea.  General Admission tickets are $40/ea.  This is a sellout event so reserve your tickets early.

​Ladies Commonwealth Luncheon
The Ladies Commonwealth Luncheon will take place on Friday, April 29, 2022 from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm at the George Washington Hotel located at 103 East Piccadilly St., Winchester, VA 22601.  Ticket price for this event is $50. 
 
As the Festival’s premier professional woman-to-woman business event, invite your colleagues and make plans to attend this great lunchtime networking event. 

​Truist Men’s Commonwealth Luncheon
The annual Truist Men’s Commonwealth Luncheon is set for 11 a.m. to 1:00 pm on Friday, April 29, 2022 at Piccadilly’s Public House & Restaurant located at 125 East Piccadilly Street (next to the George Washington Hotel).  Tickets for this event are $50/ea.
 
This popular gathering of gentlemen will be reminiscent of the original and complementary to the current Stag Luncheon. The area’s business and community leaders know this is one party not to miss!  It is held in the heart of downtown Winchester in a restored grocery warehouse built in 1900, now known as Piccadilly’s Public House & Restaurant.  Attendees enjoy a delectable lunch with their favorite libations and special samples of world-famous distilled spirits while engaging in lively discussions.
​
Proper attire includes a jacket or tie.  Gentlemen, raise your glasses in a toast to Apple Blossom’s nostalgic event.  This event sells out each year. 

​80’s Dance Party
Dance the night away to all of your favorite 80’s tunes. All the way from Cali, Dj UnieQ will open things up spinning and mixing popular 80’s tunes and The Reagan Years will cover all of the mega-artists from the 80’s. 
 
You won’t want to miss this 80’s experience which takes place on Friday night, April 29, 2022 from 8:00 pm to midnight.  The event will return to the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center located at 1188 Ralph Shockey Dr, Winchester, VA 22602 on the campus of Shenandoah University.  General admission tickets are $35/ea.  Limited VIP Backstage Passes are $50 and include a collectible 80’s Dance Party drinking cup, backstage pass to meet the performers and a fast pass to skip the long entrance line!  Purchase a Premium Parking Pass for only $15 that permits the pass holder a reserved parking spot just outside the venue.

​Square Dance
The Festival’s Square Dance will be held on Saturday, April 30, 2022 from 8:00 to 11:00 pm at the Whitacre Building located at the Frederick County Fairgrounds, 250 Fairgrounds Road, Clear Brook, VA 22624.  This historic event attracts dancers from across the region.  Tickets are $15/ea.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.thebloom.com, at Festival Headquarters located at 135 North Cameron St., Winchester, VA, or by calling (540) 662-3863.