Pageant Winners Crowned for 2026

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® is pleased to announce the crowning of Olivia Escalante, 2026 Miss Apple Blossom Volunteer and Brilea Hamilton, 2026 Miss Apple Blossom Teen Volunteer. The competition took place this past Saturday evening, November 8 at Daniel Morgan Middle School.

Olivia Escalante, a 24-year-old graduated in 2023 from Virginia Tech with a Bachelors in Geography and Minor in Meteorology. Escalante enjoys thrifting with friends, sewing and quilting, horseback riding and taking dance classes.

Brilea Hamilton, a 14-year-old Broadway High School student, and plans to attend John Jay College of Criminal Justice and major in forensic psychology and minor in psychology and criminal justice. Hamilton is a competitive dancer, varsity competitive cheerleader and varsity gymnast. She is active in her church youth group and volunteers at Sunnyside Retirement Home.

Olivia and Brilea will serve as official hostesses of the 99th Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival®, from April 24 through May 3, 2026. They will make appearances at many festival events and participate as Festival royalty as they ride through the Firefighters’ Parade on May 1 and the Grand Feature Parade on May 2.

Both titleholders will go on to represent the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® at the 2026 Miss Virginia Volunteer Competition next summer in Lynchburg, VA.

< Older Post

Newer Post >

Bloom Painting in Driveway

Celebrate the Bloom – Right at Your Doorstep!

By Erik Zimmerman • April 10, 2026

Celebrate the Bloom – Right at Your Doorstep! As we gear up for the 99th Festival, we’re bringing the spirit of The Bloom straight to your home! Register Now.

Rashard Higgins

Rashard Higgins to Serve as 2026 Firefighters’ Marshal

By Erik Zimmerman • April 8, 2026

Firefighter and Former NFL Football Player, Rashard Higgins to Serve as 2026 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Firefighters’ Marshal.

Kennedy Fewell

Special Guest - Kennedy Fewell

By Erik Zimmerman • April 7, 2026

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® proudly announces Kennedy Fewell, special guest appearance at this year’s Festival activities and both of the parades.

KateLinder

Special Guest - Kate Linder

By Erik Zimmerman • April 7, 2026

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® proudly announces Kate Linder, special guest appearance at this year’s Festival activities and both of the parades.

Tim Brown

Tim Brown to Serve as 2026 Sports Marshal

By Erik Zimmerman • April 2, 2026

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Names Heisman Trophy Winner and Pro Football Hall of Famer Tim Brown as 2026 Sports Marshal.

Kevin Covert

Kevin Covert Named Court Ambassador to Queen Shenandoah XCIX

By Erik Zimmerman • April 1, 2026

Kevin Covert Named Court Ambassador to Queen Shenandoah XCIX

Mike Robinson

Mike Robinson, Ladies Horticultural Luncheon Featured Speaker

By Erik Zimmerman • April 1, 2026

Local Author, Historian, and Storyteller Mike Robinson to Serve as Featured Speaker at the Ladies Horticultural Luncheon.

Festival Princesses Group 4

Festival Announces Selection of Princesses

By Erik Zimmerman • March 27, 2026

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® Announces Selection of Princesses.

Sherando High School Art Department

Fourth Annual Festival-Inspired Coloring Book

By Erik Zimmerman • March 25, 2026

Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival® and Local Businesses Partner with Sherando High School Art Department Students for the Creation of the Fourth Annual Festival-Inspired Coloring Book

Princesses Group 3

Festival Announces Selection of Princesses

By Erik Zimmerman • March 20, 2026

Festival Announces Selection of Princesses who will accompany Queen Shenandoah XCIX and her Court to all Festival functions throughout the 99th Festival, April 24th to May 3rd, 2026.