Special Festival Guest, Natalie Woodward Miss Virginia Association of Fairs 2023

​Sharen Gromling, President of the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival is delighted to announce Natalie Woodward, Miss Virginia Association of Fairs 2023, as a special Festival guest.  Natalie’s participation will highlight the festival’s dedication to agricultural heritage and community spirit.  

Natalie Woodward, representing our area’s very own Frederick County Fair, was crowned Miss Virginia Association of Fairs 2023 during the 105th conference of the Virginia Association Fairs at the historic Williamsburg Lodge in January 2023. She aspires to earn her Bachelor’s of Science in nursing with a focus on becoming a nurse anesthetist. In the fall, she will transfer to a four-year university after obtaining her Associate of Arts and Sciences degree from Laurel Ridge Community College. A graduate of Sherando High School, Natalie was a member of the National Honor Society, a 4-year honor roll student, and she was named Cheerleader of the Year. In preparation for her nursing career, she is a Certified Nursing Assistant.

Natalie’s personal platform is “The Confidence Campaign” in which she helps others build their confidence through self-kindness. The Confidence Campaign is a combination of printable, readable, and watchable resources that focus on implementing kindness in everyday life. These tools create a mindset that is filled with contagious positivity and allow everyone to shine bright. She has spoken to over 500 students in the Commonwealth, sharing her important message. In addition, she is very involved with her local food pantry, serving on its governing board that assists over 50 families biweekly.

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 nearly 40,000 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 appearing at various festival events Friday, May 5, including the Coronation, presented by Morgan Orthodontics, and the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade.  She will ride on the Frederick County Fair float in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade, which begins at 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 6. Tickets to Festival events are available at www.thebloom.com/events.

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