​Winchester, VA – The unveiling of the 97th 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 26 to May 5, 2024.
 
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 and Graphic Designer.  Oftentimes the theme design reflects a fond tradition, detailed imagery and a catchy phrase endeared by the Festival President.  
 
Sharen Gromling, Festival President states, “This year’s theme is a reminder of our beginning 100 years ago – what got us started was a celebration of our apple industry and the beauty of the spring blossoms.  And since that first Festival in 1924, we have continued to host a fun and happy time in the Shenandoah Valley that combines our history and traditions with a celebration of who we have become both locally and around the world.  This year’s theme, “Locally Grown.  Globally Shared” does not just apply to our apple industry, but also to our Festival and the people that make up this community - our volunteer spirit and our willingness to open our doors of hospitality to anyone who wants to experience the beauty and joy that is our Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival.  Yes we are truly “Locally Grown. Globally Shared.”   
 
The 97th theme is once again designed by the Festival’s talented Creative and Graphic Designer, Erik Zimmerman.  In describing the theme design and inspiration, Zimmerman states, “With our theme title being Locally Grown. Globally Shared., the inspiration was to focus on the local apple industry. Showcasing an orchard tapering off to the distance extending beyond just Winchester, and a crate of apples with the burnished 97th Festival into the crate much like they do with actual crates. The hand-drawn style provides an organic, traditional feel.”
 
Event tickets 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 97th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® on April 26 to May 5, 2024. 

​Winchester, VA – Celebrating our local heroes, especially those who have made a significant impact on our quality of life, is an infrequent Festival tradition that we bestow from time to time.  The Honorary Grand Marshal title is a coveted honor and one that is granted to an individual(s) who has achieved great things and shared their time, talents, and gifts to shape our community into what it is today. 
 
During her tenure as Festival President, Sharen Gromling has made local connections a primary focus when it comes to honoring community members who help make the Shenandoah Valley and beyond a better place for all. 
 
The 97th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Honorary Grand Marshal is no stranger to most of you.  He was born 73 years ago in Washington, DC and spent portions of his childhood in Fairfax, VA and Hialeah, FL.  He received his bachelor’s degree in education from Florida Atlantic University.  In 1977 he moved back to Virginia and instead of using his degree in teaching – he applied for a radio position.  Even though he had no experience in radio, he landed the job.  During his radio career, he was recognized for his service to the Winchester community including the Chamber’s Outstanding Citizen (twice awarded), Best Morning Show for two consecutive years, Community Service Award, and the United Way Volunteer of the Year award.  He founded the WINC Chain of Checks in 1986 and helped raise more than $1.25M for local charities.  When asked to describe this person, his fans have said “if there are angels among us, he is one of them. He is one of the most sincere, dedicated, and community service people I’ve ever met.  He’s all real.”
 
In keeping with President Gromling’s focus of thanking local celebrities who have done so much not only for the Festival but for our entire community and beyond, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is thrilled to announce the 97th Festival’s Honorary Grand Marshal and everyone’s favorite morning radio personality, Barry Lee. 
 
Barry has been a friend of the Festival for many years.  From volunteering to emcee extraordinaire, Barry has done countless deeds to support The Bloom.  He’s done hundreds of interviews of Festival Celebrities and Queens. For two decades he served as the emcee for the Queen’s Dinner and is best known for “singing-in” the Queen and Court to the song whose lyrics he wrote – We All Live in the Land of Pink and Green. For over 30 years, Barry co-announced the Grand Feature Parade.  As in his morning talk shows, Barry is known throughout the Festival as someone who dishes out ample servings of positivity, humor and community spirit. He stated that he loves the connections with his extended family of listeners and agrees what a blessing it is to start the day with a laugh and to live in a community that cares so deeply.    
 
We speak for our Festival board, volunteers and fans when we say thank you to his lovely wife, Mary Bowser and his children Brian and Brooke for sharing Barry with us.  He has truly demonstrated our theme – Locally Grown. Globally Shared.