Jeremy Luttrell, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is honored to announce that that Devarjaye “DJ” Daniel, Honorary Member, U.S. Secret Service, will be a guest of the 98th Festival and will be riding with Sheriff Lenny Millholland, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, in the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters' and Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parades on May 2 and 3.  

DJ Daniel is a young cancer warrior and nation inspiration, who has taken the oath with over 1000 law enforcement agencies across the United States fulfilling his dream to serve in uniform while raising awareness of childhood cancer.  Despite battling terminal brain and spine cancer, DJ has united communities with his courage, heart, and unstoppable spirit.

President Donald Trump had Sean Curran, director of the Secret Service, present DJ the honorary badge in the balcony of the Capitol during President Trump’s speech to congress in March 2025. 

DJ has been honored as an Honorary Member of the U.S. Secret Service, recognizing his bravery, patriotism and the hope he brings to so many. 

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is thrilled to announce that the Washington Nationals Racing Presidents will join Nationals legend Ryan Zimmerman during this year’s festival! George, Tom, Abe, and Teddy are lacing up their oversized shoes for special appearances during the 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, including a stop at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on Saturday morning, May 3 from 8:00 to 9:00 am in the Tolley Dental Zone at James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center. The Racing Presidents will also greet fans as they ride through the streets in Old Town Winchester during the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade at 1:30 pm on Saturday afternoon, May 3. And don’t miss Screech, the beloved Nationals mascot, who will be bringing his signature energy and team spirit to the festivities.

The Washington Nationals Racing Presidents have been a mainstay at Nationals games since 2006. Originally a scoreboard video feature, the Presidents came "to life" in 2006. They are regularly featured on ESPN and have garnered the IDEA Conference “Best Interactive Feature” Award and GameOps.com "Best OF On-Field Promotion" award on multiple occasions.

Since their debut in 2006, the Racing Presidents have become a fan favorite, delighting Nationals fans young and old during the fourth inning of every home game. With their towering foam heads and unpredictable antics, the mascots have become a staple of the ballpark experience and a key part of the Nationals' identity.

This season, fans can look forward to new themed races, special guest appearances, interactive fan opportunities, and celebratory moments tied to key U.S. holidays and events. 
Whether Teddy finally breaks his losing streak, Abe flexes his speed, or George surprises everyone with an upset win, the races are sure to continue sparking cheers, laughs, and unforgettable moments for fans at every game.  For more information about the Washington Nationals, game schedules, or to purchase tickets, visit nationals.com.

Festival fans can purchase tickets to the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast or Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade seats by visiting our events page.

Jeremy Luttrell, president of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce that Brian Mitchell will be a guest speaker at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. The Breakfast will be held in the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center on the campus of Shenandoah University.  Mitchell will be riding in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ Parade on Friday at 5:30 p.m. and the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 3, which kicks off at 1:30 p.m.  
 
Brian Mitchell, a Super Bowl Champion and one of the most accomplished NFL players of his era, returns to the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® for the first time since 1993. Born and raised in Plaquemine, Louisiana, as one of seven children, Brian developed a strong foundation in both education and athletics. He attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana (now the University of Louisiana at Lafayette), where he set an NCAA record for most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback.
His remarkable talent and work ethic led him to the NFL, where he started his career with the Washington Redskins in 1990 as a return specialist and running back. In his second season, Brian made history by setting NFL records for punt return yards and touchdowns, helping the Redskins win Super Bowl XXVI. Throughout his 14-year career, which also included stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and the New York Giants, Brian earned three NFL All-Pro selections, a Pro Bowl appearance in 1995, and induction into the Redskins Ring of Fame. He remains second in NFL history for all-purpose yards and special teams touchdowns.

Beyond his athletic achievements, Brian is known for his positive attitude and commitment to helping others. He frequently participates in charity events, serves as a mentor to young athletes, and encourages individuals transitioning from athletics to new careers. Today, he co-hosts "B Mitch and Finlay" on 106.7 The Fan and serves as an analyst on regional and national sports shows. Outside of work, Brian enjoys cooking, cycling, and golfing.
Brian's impact extends far beyond his impressive statistics—he uses his platform to inspire hard work, dedication, and a positive attitude in communities across the country.
​
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/event

Charles Mann, a former twelve-year veteran of the NFL, three-time Super Bowl Champion and four-time NFL Pro Bowl Player will be a speaker at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast as announced by Jeremy Luttrell, Festival president. Charles is the third all-time sack leader for the Washington Redskins with 83 regular season sacks and is tied for 13th all-time in the NFL for sacks in the playoffs with ten.  
 
After attending the University of Nevada at Reno, Charles went back to school 33 years later and spent three years working on his bachelor’s degree in business administration. Six months later Charles went back to school to complete his MBA, and 18 months later graduated with a 3.83 GPA.
 
Mann has started two businesses since 2000.  Alliant Merchant Services – Merchant Services Independent Sales Organization, his first business, was sold in 2010 and is still operating in Loudoun County, Virginia. In 2013 he started his second business, Charles Mann Enterprises, which focuses on Facility Support Services in the construction industry. Charles is also a licensed commercial real estate broker in Virginia, Maryland, and the District of Columbia. 
 
Mann is on the board of The Williams Center as a director.  The Center’s purpose is to fight against the Opioid & Mental Health nationally starting with the first out-patient treatment facility in Leesburg, Virginia.  He serves on the Advisory Board for Easter Seals, which works with children and adults by enriching their lives while expanding opportunities, especially those with disabilities. Mann, also, serves on the Virginia College Building Authority Board.  The Board approves monies for universities in Virginia to update and modernize their schools. 
  
Charles and his wife, Tyrena, have been married since 1984 and have raised three children. Charles is a proud member of the 70 All-Time Great Washington Redskins and is a part of the Sacramento and Washington, DC Sports Hall of Fame.
 
In addition to speaking at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast at the Tolley Dental Zone at the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics & Events Center at Shenandoah University at 9 a.m., Mann will participate in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on Saturday, May 3, which begins at 1:30 p.m.  
 
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/event

Alfonso Ribeiro, host of Dancing with the Stars and America’s Funniest Home Videos has been named Grand Marshal of the 98th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® by Jeremy Luttrell, Festival president. 
 
Alfonso Ribeiro’s iconic television personality danced its way into our hearts with his talents as an actor, TV director, award-winning dancer, and Broadway star. Ribeiro has spent over 45 years leaving his unique mark on television, theater, and pop culture worldwide, having started his career at the age of 8!!
 
Ribeiro is currently hosting his 10th season of “America’s Funniest Home Videos” the beloved show is currently in its 35th Season. Continuing to demonstrate its timeless appeal as the longest running series on ABC.  
 
Alfonso also hosts “Dancing with the Stars” on ABC.  This past season set multiple records, including all-time highs in viewership and voting. His love of the ballroom and the series come through in his signature warm enthusiastic delivery each week.
 
Ribeiro also currently hosts a third series for ABC, the Saturday Morning wildlife series “Jack Hanna’s Passport” from Hearst Media Production Group. 
 
Ribeiro returned as the host of A Capitol Fourth the 44th annual edition of America's national Independence Day celebration broadcasted live from the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol on PBS and will be hosting the beloved Special again this year.
 
Previously he hosted Game Show Network’s six seasons of the hit “Catch 21”, for which his work garnered him two Emmy Nominations. 
 
Ribeiro began his career as a child actor encouraged by his mother and father throughout. Most notably, he landed on Broadway playing the lead role in the Tony®-winning musical “The Tap Dance Kid.” As news of Ribeiro’s tap dancing and singing skills spread, he was offered a recording contract with Island Records, for whom he released several dance/pop singles, as well as his role in Michael Jackson’s 1984 “Billie Jean” Pepsi commercial.
 
Ribeiro moved next to series television in the long-running NBC sitcom “Silver Spoons,” making him a teen idol. After earning a theater arts education from Cal State University, Los Angeles, he was given the opportunity to choose a role on the established sitcom “A Different World” or a new pilot called “The Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.” Showing an adventurous streak, he chose the latter and created the lovable iconic character of “Carlton Banks” for which he is known for throughout the world.
 
Having grown up in front of the camera, he knew that opportunities existed behind the camera as well and became a sitcom director. His diverse resume includes popular series like “In the House,” “Shake It Up,” “Are We There Yet?,” “The Wannabes,” “Meet the Browns,” “Cuts,” “Eve,” “One on One” and “All of Us.” 
   
Ribeiro continued to make good use of his dancing skills and his competitive nature in 2014 when he won the 19th season of “Dancing with the Stars.” After finishing in first place, he hosted the nationwide “Dancing with the Stars” live tour.
 
Golf is also one of Ribeiro’s many passions, and he is currently a PGA TOUR Champions Ambassador. 
 
He resides in California with his wife and four children.
 
Ribeiro will make an appearance at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast in the Tolley Dental Zone of the James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Events Center on the Shenandoah University campus, Saturday, May 3, at 9 a.m. That afternoon he will head up the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade, which steps off at 1:30 p.m.
Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events

Robert Carradine, an American actor and musician, will serve as the Court Ambassador at the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah XCVIII on Friday, May 2, at John Handley High School at 1:30 p.m. Jeremy Luttrell, Festival president, announces, additionally, Carradine will make appearances at Festival events and will ride in the Hang10 Firefighters’ and Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parades. Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events. 
 
Carradine's biggest film success came when he starred in Revenge of the Nerds as the lead nerd ‘Lewis Skolnick’. To prepare for the comedy, Carradine spent time at The University of Arizona, where the movie was filmed, participating in rush week. "No fraternity picked him, convincing Carradine that he was indeed right for the part of the nerd that nobody wanted to claim as their own." Carradine reprised the role of Skolnick in three sequels, taking over as executive producer in the latter two.
 
Robert is the youngest member of the Carradine family, which includes actors, David and Keith. Robert was instrumental in securing his brothers to perform with him in one of the most unusual casting arrangements in movie history. Together the Carradines played the ‘Younger Brothers’ in The Long Riders along with three other sets of acting brothers: Stacy & James Keach, Dennis & Randy Quaid, and Christopher & Nicholas Guest. 

Carradine considered his "first ambition" to be of car racing. He found that role in acting and won the cross-country road race, beating the favorite, Coy "Cannonball" Buckman’, played by his brother, David.  
 
Robert landed a demanding role in Hal Ashby's Oscar-winning Vietnam War drama, Coming Home, which starred Jane Fonda and Jon Voight. His performance was acclaimed outstanding. 

On television, Robert appeared on his brother David's series, Kung Fu, as ‘Sunny Jim’.  Carradine played ‘Robert Cohn’ in the television mini-series version of Ernest Hemingway's The Sun Also Rises. He appeared in the HBO mini-series, Conspiracy: The Trial of the Chicago 8. Additionally, he was nominated for the CableACE Award in for Showtime’s As Is.....perhaps the most demanding role of his career. 

Robert played father ‘Sam McGuire on the very popular Lizzie McGuire from 2001-2003. The show starred Hilary Duff as ‘Lizzie’.
 
Additional feature film work includes the western, Justice, as well as the holiday comedies, American Christmas and High Holiday. Recently, he completed the features, Cowboy Killer: A Love Story and 3 Killer Pigs.  

While in Winchester, Robert Carradine will appear in-person for multiple movie screenings and live Q&As at the Alamo Drafthouse Cinema.  The first will be a World Premiere Screening of the comedy/thriller The Cowboy Killer at 7:30 pm on Thursday, May 1. The screening and Q&A will also feature Winchester-raised, LA-based filmmakers Ben Solenberger and Jaymes Camery.  
 
Robert will also participate in a rare theatrical screening of the 1980 film The Big Red One: The Reconstruction, which also starred Mark Hamill and Lee Marvin.  The screening will take place at 11 am on Sunday, May 4.  The 'reconstruction' title refers to is the re-working, re-editing, and re-structuring of Sam Fuller's The Big Red One bringing it closer to the film Fuller had originally envisioned. It includes almost 48 additional minutes of footage which was not utilized in the film's original release.

Many years ago, the founders of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® had a vision that they worked tirelessly to bring to life. Today, it attracts hundreds of thousands of visitors.

The Billy Graham Family has been coming since 1972, when Rev. Graham was Grand Marshal. This year his great granddaughter will be the 98th Queen of the Festival as announced by Jeremy Luttrell, Festival president. 

Mary Clare Davis, a junior at Grace Christian High School in Staunton, VA, will reign as Queen Shenandoah XCVIII.  She is the daughter of Maury and Noelle Davis and granddaughter of Ruth Bell Graham.  Noelle was queen of the Festival in 1993.   

Mary Clare shares, “I’m so excited and honored to be Queen-designate for the 98th Apple Blossom Festival!  This event has held a special place in my family’s heart for so long.  I cannot tell you how thrilled I am to take part in such a cherished tradition.  The festival represents so much joy, and I’m beyond excited to celebrate with everyone this year.”

She plays varsity basketball at Grace Christian.  The Cinderella team had a winning season and became 2025 VACA girls state champions. During her freshman year she was part of Memory’s Hill Stable IEA team.  She is involved in her church community where she serves as a student leader and a sponsor for sixth grade girls.  Last summer Mary Clare served on a mission trip with Street Ranch Ministries in Memphis and will be returning this June.  Getting to pour into others and to be a part of a Christ-centered community are important to her. 

Mary Clare says, “The arts are a big part of my life, especially poetry and music.  Whether I’m singing, writing, or just getting lost in a great song, creativity is where I feel most at home.” Outside of music, she loves photography, spending time with her friends, and spending time outside, especially with her “sweet duckies”.

The 5’9” Queen-designate concluded, “Being part of the Apple Blossom Festival this year is truly a dream come true, and I can’t wait to take part in all the festivities.  I’m so looking forward to meeting new people, making unforgettable memories, and celebrating everything that makes this festival so special!”  

The family tradition will continue at the Coronation on Friday, May 2, at 1:30 p.m. at John Handley High School where Mary Clare will be crowned by her mother, Noelle.  The Shenandoah Valley Royal Family will attend many functions during the Festival and will be seen coming through city streets in the Hang 10 Firefighters’ and Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parades.

Tickets to festival events are available here.

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

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.