Jeremy Luttrell, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, is pleased to announce Ryan Zimmerman will serve as the Sports Marshal of the 2025 “Field of Blooms” Festival. Ryan’s appearance is being sponsored by Rubbermaid Commercial Products (RCP).  
 
Zimmerman, who earned the nicknames 'Mr. National' and 'Employee No. 11', for his longevity and overall impact on the Washington Nationals franchise, spent 17 years in the big leagues and has become the face of a generation for DC sports enthusiasts. A two-time All-Star and 2019 World Series champion, Ryan holds franchise records for games played, hits, home runs, RBI, and runs amongst many others. Ryan debuted for the Nationals in 2005, just a few months after becoming the team’s first-ever draft pick out of the University of Virginia. 
 
Off the field, Ryan’s commitment to the community has been unrivaled since stepping foot in DC. He has been recognized with the Jefferson Award for public service, the Lou Gehrig Memorial Award for character and integrity, while he is also a multi-time Roberto Clemente and Branch Rickey Award nominee recognizing his achievements in community accomplishments. Ryan has been instrumental in helping raise awareness and funds in the fight against multiple sclerosis (MS) – and via his ziMS Foundation, has given back more than $4 million to this cause. In 2020 when COVID struck, Ryan became one of the first professional athletes to raise funds for first responders and health care workers via his “Pro’s for Heroes” campaign, and he continues to look to use his influence in helping others through a number of initiatives to this day. 
 
At home in McLean, VA, Ryan and his wife, Heather, are proud parents of four (4) while he continues to work with the Washington Nationals as an ownership advisor.  
 
Zimmerman will make appearances at different Festival events including the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade on Friday, May 2, at 5:30 p.m.  He will be the keynote speaker at the Partlow Sports Breakfast in the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr, Athletic and Events Center on the Shenandoah University campus on Saturday, May 3 at 9 a.m.  That afternoon he will be riding in the glo fiber Grand Feature Parade, which will step off at 1:30 p.m.  
 
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events

​The selection of Princesses to serve in the Court of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII for the 2025 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® has been announced by festival officials. The princesses include Abby Lawrence Branner, Catie Mae Collins, Madison Elizabeth Murphy, Molly Helen Shea-Roop, and Addison Michelle Rudolph.
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​Abby Lawrence Branner is the daughter of Lawrie and Kevin Branner of Winchester, VA. She is the granddaughter of Ann and Larry Wadsworth, of Winchester, Sara and Lanny Branner of Fredericksburg, VA, Larry Whitehead of Winchester, and the late Betsy Whitehead. Abby is a freshman at West Virginia University, pursuing a degree in psychology. She is a member of Alpha Xi Delta Sorority. She is a 2024 graduate of Sherando High School where she was a 4-year varsity volleyball letter recipient. She served as class secretary, was a member of Distributive Education Clubs of America (DECA), and a Warrior Pride Award recipient. 

​Catie Mae Collins is the daughter of Patti and Chris Collins of Aldie, VA. She is the granddaughter of Ellen Porterfield of Aldie, Judy and Mike Smythers of Amherst, VA, and the late James Porterfield. Catie is a freshman at the University of Tennessee – Knoxville where she is majoring in supply chain management. She is a member of the University of Tennessee Supply Chain Scholars of Distinction, Dean’s List, Delta Gamma women’s fraternity, and the young professional committee of the Tennessee Association of Supply Chain. Catie is a 2024 graduate of Lightridge High School. She was a member of the National Honor Society, Latin National Honor Society, and National Charity League. She was a member of the competitive varsity cheer team and competitive dance team. In addition, she was an international qualifier with DECA. Her mother, Patti, served as a princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXVII, Lisa Huber.

​Madison Elizabeth Murphy is the daughter of Sarah and Will Murphy, of Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Sue and Thomas Rosenberger of Winchester and Linda and Robert Murphy of Chesapeake, VA. She is a junior at James Madison University (JMU) where she is pursuing a degree in health sciences with a minor in pre-occupational therapy. She was a JMU Deans List recipient for the fall of 2023 and 2024 and Presidents List recipient for the spring of 2024. Madison is a member of the club cross country and track team, serving as the community service and fundraising chair. She is a member of the Pre-Occupational Therapy Association (POTA), fall 2023 and spring 2024 JMU Chorale, and fall 2023 JMU Treble Chamber Choir. She is a founding board member of the non-profit, Run Harrisonburg. Madison is a 2023 graduate of Millbrook High School where she served as class Vice President during her sophomore, junior, and senior years. During all four years of high school, she was a member of the varsity cross country, indoor track, and outdoor track teams. She received All-State honors in cross country and indoor track as well as the Winchester Star Girls’ Cross Country Runner of the year in 2019 and 2021. She was a member of Key Club, National Honor Society, and the Millbrook Choir, where she served as Co-President her senior year. Madison was named to the All-State Choir in 2022 and 2023 and the 2022 Virginia Music Educators Association (VMEA) Senior Honors Choir. She was a member of the Millbrook High School Musical Productions for 2019, 2021, and 2023. Madison participated in musicals through Winchester Little Theatre in the summers of 2019 and 2022 as well as the Laurel Ridge Community College Follies in 2020 and 2022. She is the Apple Blossom Girl’s Bloomin’ Mile Record holder and an active member of St. John’s Lutheran Church. Her mother, Sarah, served as a princess in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXXI, Jennifer Wickliffe Robb.

​Molly Helen Shea-Roop is the daughter of Jennifer Shea-Roop and Shawn Roop from Winchester. She is the granddaughter of Helen Shea of Ashburn, VA and Janet Tully of Winchester, and the late Thomas Shea. Molly is a freshman at Radford University majoring in psychology. She is a member of the Division 1 cheerleading team at Radford University. Molly is a 2024 graduate of John Handley High School where she was a four-year member of the Student Government Association (SGA), serving as vice president her senior year. In addition, she was a four-year varsity sideline and competition cheerleader, serving as cheer captain her senior year, and was named 1st team all-district and region in 2023. During her junior year of high school, Molly earned her Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) qualification. 

​Addison Michelle Rudolph is the daughter of Courtney Rudolph and Michael Rudolph Jr., of Grove City, OH. She is the granddaughter of Wanda Click of Jacksonville, FL, Pam Sherfey of The Villages, FL, Michael Rudolph, SR of Grove City, and the late Samuel Long, Jr., and great-granddaughter of Gail and Sam Long of Winchester. Addison is a freshman at Campbellsville University majoring in exercise science. She received an academic and athletic scholarship for wrestling with a current 4.0 grade average. She is a 2025 graduate of Central Crossing High School where she was a member of the National Honor Society. Addison was a two-time Archie Griffin award winner, two-time Ohio Women’s freestyle state champion in 2022, and four-time Ohio women’s wrestling state placer. Her mother, Courtney, served as a little maid in the court of Queen Shenandoah LXIV, Eve Holbrook.

​The Princesses will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCVIII and her Court to all Festival functions throughout the 98th Festival scheduled for April 25th to May 4th, 2025. They 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 attend the Queen's Ball and Dance Party Presented by Insurance Center of Winchester, to celebrate the coronation of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII to be held Friday, May 2nd beginning at 8:30 pm at The George Washington Hotel Ball Room. They will ride on the Royal Float in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade scheduled to begin at 1:30 p.m., Saturday, May 3, 2025

Jordan Crenshaw, senior vice president of the U.S. Chamber of Commerce’s Technology Engagement Center (C_TEC), has been named by Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® president, Jeremy Luttrell, as the keynote speaker at the 2025 Valley Health Business at the Bloom presented by Top of Virginia Regional Chamber. Crenshaw’s message will be “Empowering Business with AI”. 

Crenshaw leads the day-to-day operations of the Technology Center’s policy team. He also manages the Chamber’s privacy working group, which is composed of nearly 300 companies and trade associations and is responsible for developing model privacy legislation and principles. Prior to his role at C_TEC, Crenshaw led the Chambers’ Telecommunications and E-Commerce Policy Committee, which analyzed federal privacy, cloud computing, broadband, interned, e-commerce and broadcast policies that impact U.S. businesses. 

Before joining the Chamber, Crenshaw was an attorney focused on environmental issues and consumer privacy laws. He worked at McGuireWoods, LLP, assisting discovery issues for environmental nuisance, TCPA, and other civil litigation. Crenshaw also held roles in the Virginia Senate leadership, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, the U.S. Department of Labor Office of Administrative Law Judges, and the National to Work Defense Foundation.

He earned both his undergraduate degree and Juris Doctor from the College of William and Mary. He is licensed to practice law in Virginia and is a Certificated Information Policy Professional (CIPP/US). Crenshaw and his wife, Molly, and their daughter, Charlotte, live in Virginia. 

The luncheon will be held at 11:00 am on Wednesday, April 30, at the Tolley Dental Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University.

Tickets for Valley Health Business at the Bloom presented by Top of Virginia Regional Chamber are available here.

Jeremy Luttrell, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce Amelia Draper as the featured speaker for the Ladies Horticultural Luncheon.   

Amelia Draper is a meteorologist with Storm Team4. Her forecasts can be seen during the midday and evening editions of News4 and on NBC Washington digital properties. She joined News4 in March 2013.

A native of Frederick, Maryland, Draper had wanted to forecast the weather in Washington, D.C., since she started studying meteorology at Penn State University. In fact, she graduated from college early so she could start working.

Draper's first job was with CNET in State College, Pennsylvania. While forecasting weather there, she became very familiar with weather phenomena such as lake effect snow, which helped her land her next job as weekend meteorologist for WJET/WFXP in Erie, Pennsylvania. Erie recorded its second snowiest winter on record during Draper's first year there. From there, she joined the morning shift at WIVB-WNLO in Buffalo.

The opportunity to be closer to family and friends brought her back to the D.C. area as a member of Washington’s #1 weather team. She brought extensive experience covering snowy winters, spring storms and summer heat.

Fitness is a big part of Draper's life, from her high school job as a snowboard instructor at Whitetail Ski Resort to playing on field hockey and lacrosse teams to her current activities which include yoga, golf and running.

Draper lives in Montgomery County with her husband and son.

​​The Ladies Horticultural Luncheon will be held at Millwood Station Banquet Hall, 252 Costello Drive, on Friday, May 2, from 10:30 a.m. - 1 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 540-662-3409. 

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce that Matthew West will headline the 2025 Contemporary Christian Concert, presented by Clean Water of Virginia with special guests Warren Peay and Seth Addison. The concert will take place at the Tolley Dental Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University on Sunday afternoon, May 4, 2025. ​
​

​Matthew West
Dubbed “one of Christian music’s most prolific singer-songwriters” (Billboard), Matthew West has notched 37 No.1 songs combined as an artist and songwriter and has been awarded RIAA Gold and Platinum certifications. West is also a five-time GRAMMY nominee, NSAI’s 2022 Songwriter-Artist of the Year, ASCAP’s 2023 Golden Note Award recipient, ASCAP’s Songwriter of the Year recipient, and a multiple ASCAP Christian Music Songwriter/Artist of the Year winner. He has received an American Music Award, a Billboard Music Award, K-LOVE Fan Awards, GMA Dove Awards and has been named Billboard’s Hot Christian Songwriter of the Year. A recipient of the Rich Mullins Impact Award, West also received a Primetime Emmy® Award nomination for Original Music & Lyrics for the title track for the feature film “The Heart of Christmas.” 
 
In addition to his own recording career, he has co-hosted the K-LOVE Fan Awards seven times and has more than 275 songwriting credits to his name, including cuts by Anne Wilson, Rascal Flatts, Scotty McCreery, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Mandisa, Danny Gokey, Casting Crowns and others. The release of Don’t Stop Praying marks his 13th studio album. West's first single from the album and title track "Don't Stop Praying" (released January 2024) marked his biggest streaming single debut in his 20-year career and notched a No. 1 spot for two weeks at radio.  
 
Adding author to his list of accolades, West has written eight books to date: “Give This Christmas Away,” “The Story Of Your Life,” “Forgiveness,” “Today Is Day One”, “Hello, My Name Is, “The God Who Stays,” “My Story Your Glory 30-Day Devotional,” “Come Home For Christmas” with his ninth book “Don’t Stop Praying” slated to release in February 2026. In 2020 The Matthew West Podcast debuted and continues weekly with special guests. West is also passionate about providing hope and healing through the power of prayer and story. Along with his father, Pastor Joe West, they founded popwe, a non-profit ministry helping others to craft, share, and live a more meaningful life.

Warren Peay 
Warren Peay, a soulful Christian artist from Bamberg, South Carolina, gained national attention as a top contestant on American Idol Season 21, where his heartfelt lyrics and powerful voice captivated audiences and advanced him to the Top 8 in May 2023. Known for his humble, down-to-earth persona and deep-rooted faith, Warren consistently brought authenticity to each performance, often choosing Christian songs that reflected his mission to glorify God.
 
Since his American Idol journey, Warren’s music career has continued to blossom. He was featured on Zach Williams’ song “Sunday’s Comin’” and even had the honor of opening for Zach at the 2024 Shenandoah County Fair. Additionally, he was a featured artist at UnityFest, bringing his message of hope and faith to even larger audiences. His Instagram profile captures his journey, sharing performances, behind-the-scenes moments, and reflections that highlight his passion for music. As he prepares to release new music and hit the road, Warren looks forward to sharing his voice, faith, and message with a growing community of listeners.

​Seth Addison
Seth Addison is a singer, songwriter, and author from Baltimore, MD. He enjoys creating music and writing related to real people, facing real challenges, about a real God.

Tickets are on sale now.  Join us at the Tolley Dental Zone in the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University on Sunday, May 4, 2025, for an afternoon of worship and inspiration. Doors open at Noon. The concert begins at 2:00 pm.

Natalie White, representing the Russell County Fair, was crowned Miss Virginia Association of Fairs 2025 during the 107th conference in Williamsburg, VA..  Jeremy Luttrell, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce that Natalie will be a special guest at the upcoming springtime Festival event.
 
Natalie is a Roan Scholar at East Tennessee State University where she is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Health Science. At ETSU, she is President of the Pre-dental chapter and Social Media Chair of Cure ETSU. A resident of Nickelsville, Natalie was Valedictorian of the class of 2022 at Twin Springs High School where she was dually enrolled at Mountain Empire Community College, earning a General Education degree while in high school. She excelled in cheerleading, forensics, and Scholastics Bowl, all for which she served as Captain. For her original oratory in forensics, she was named State Champion. She plans to attend dental school to pursue a career as a general dentist.
Natalie is a strong advocate for the importance of and need for proper oral hygiene through her platform, Smile with NAT. She has accumulated over 500 hours of community service, including 200 hours while treating 500 dental patients in the Appalachian region of Virginia and Tennessee. For her efforts, she was named Outstanding Volunteer with Miles for Smiles. A published author, Natalie wrote Tony the Tooth which she shares in elementary schools to encourage healthy smiles.
During her year of service, Natalie will travel across Virginia serving as the official ambassador for the Virginia Association of Fairs at many fairs and festivals.  She will also be the spokesperson for the Miss VAF community service program, “Read to Succeed” that, in just a few years, has collected almost 80,000 books.  The VAF serves its members through representation, education, information, and direction which will enhance their productivity, economic viability, and administrative capability, thus enhancing the economic growth, development, and quality of life of Virginia communities. 
 
Natalie will be attending many events during the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® on May 3 and 4.

Click here for tickets to Festival events

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® In-Town and Out-of-Town Miss Honorary Fire and Rescue Chief Contest presented by Trex will be held at 7 p.m. Saturday, March 8 at Daniel Morgan Middle School in Winchester. The contest, where local fire companies are represented by a young lady aged 16 – 21, is one of the longest running Apple Blossom events. Tickets are $10 at the door. Cash and credit cards will be accepted. Visit thebloom.com to purchase tickets in advance. 

The 2025 In-Town contestants are: 
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​Get ready to laugh until your cheeks hurt at the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Comedy Show! Join us at the vibrant Bright Box Theater in Old Town Winchester, VA, for an evening of non-stop hilarity featuring talented comedians who will keep you entertained all night long. With a lively atmosphere, great company, and plenty of laughs, this is the perfect way to kick off your Apple Blossom celebrations. Don’t miss an unforgettable evening of comedy—secure your tickets now and get ready for the ultimate laugh fest!  Featured comedians include headliner and Winchester native, Pete Buchbauer, and his special guests Chip Nicholson, and Jessica Keenan. 
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Pete Buchbauer, Headliner
A native of Winchester, VA, and honing his skills in Washington, DC, Pete has been delighting audiences for over 16 years. Spending years as a “road comic” Pete finally set down roots in Los Angeles, CA where his comedy continued to grow. He has performed all over the country in some of the best clubs, theaters, and festivals including the D.C. Improv, The World Famous Comedy Store, Helium Comedy Club, Laughing Skull Comedy Club, and Caroline’s on Broadway. He has been named Best of the Fest in the Burbank Comedy Festival (2018, 2019, 2023), DC Comedy Fest (2018), and has been a top 100 finalist in the World Series of Comedy (2016, 2018, 2023). Pete’s debut album “Out of My League” is available on all streaming services and SiriusXM. Pete was once the co-host of The White Label Lounge, a music television show that streamed on Roku, in 2018 Pete was the voice of Harley in the pilot of the cartoon Spiritual Therapy for Cartoon Network, unfortunately it was not picked up for series, but in 2023 Pete was a 16 time champion on the game show Person, Place, or Thing on Fox, and in 2025 you can see him as the lead role in the feature film The Death of Ivan Nussbaum. 
 
Pete has shared the stage with such notable acts as Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Jeff Ross, and John Mayer (it’s a long story). Pete’s production company The Popular Outcasts have been producing comedy shorts on YouTube as well as live stand up shows all over the country since 2009. Pete is excited to come back to Winchester for the Apple Blossom Festival and hopes the town he grew up in is ready to laugh.

Chip Nicholson
Raised in San Diego California, Chip Nicholson says he learned comedy from, “Growing up laughing with my mom at shows like Mad TV, SNL, In Living Color, All That, Def Comedy Jam, Martin, Fresh Prince of Bell Air, the Jamie Fox Show…. “. “I’d watch these shows and knew I wanted to have that kind of something with those kinds of people… I just didn’t know how to get my foot in that door ”. Until Chip found himself at his first open mic and.. “The moment after the last word of that last joke was the sound of applause. Everything blurred; sound into sight the cheers into the lights and found myself unable to stop smiling.” I had Chills. and that’s when I knew. That door I had searched for my foot to get into, I had tripped through and fallen for Stand Up Comedy”.
 
In the coming year Nicholson hopped from mic to mic doing 2-3open mics a night. When there wasn’t a mic, Karaoke’s.  Soon eyes turned to LA after graduation he moved up.
 
Chip was living the life - out of a car for the first couple months in LA.. It was a rough Black History Month. Nicholson says “Comedy isn’t as convenient as it is charming, but that’s what’s fun about journeys.” Chip Nicholson has lived a life of paradox that would be crazy not to laugh along with. Now in Los Angeles, Chip Headlines his happy go lucky style from Calgary Canada to Nashville Tennessee. Winning 2019’s top Finalist of the San Diego Comedy Festival, 2019’s Best of Fest Winner of Arizona’s Big Pine Comedy Festival and recently selected for the main show opening up for Reggie Watts at the Oklahoma 2024 Blue Whale Comedy Festival Chip is on the rise, sharing his passion for comedy, and invites you to fall for it too.

​Jessica Keenan
Jessica Keenan is a Mexican/Lebanese comedian who was born and raised in Las Vegas, Nevada. She has appeared on HBO Max’s Ha Festival: The Art of Comedy and was also a finalist for Standup NBC.  In 2021, her first special was released on HBO Max: What She Said! Jessica made her Late-Night debut on The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon in August 2024.
 
As a staple of the Los Angeles comedy scene Jessica’s star is on the rise performing with the likes of David Spade, Bobby Lee, Tiffany Haddish, and more. If you didn’t know Jessica before you’ll be telling all your friends that you do now.

​Comedy fans can choose between two nights and three show times, with all shows taking place at Bright Box Theater in Old Town Winchester.  The Friday night show takes place on April 25 with VIP doors at 6:30 pm, general admission doors at 7:00 pm and showtime at 8:00 pm.  Saturday includes an early and late show.  The early show takes place on April 26 with VIP doors at 5:30 pm, general admission doors at 6:00 pm and showtime at 7:00 pm.  Saturday’s late show is general admission only with doors at 9:30 pm and showtime at 10:00 pm.  General admission tickets are $24 and VIP tickets are $29 per show.  General admission tickets at the door are $26 (if available.)
 
Tickets and more info available here or Bright Box Theater at for more details and to purchase tickets. 
 
Celebrate the 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® in Winchester, Virginia from April 25-May 4, 2025 where we have something for everyone!