Apple Blossom Festival has another successful year
by
Marissa McDonald, Staff Reporter
The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival wrapped up another successful year in Wenatchee, Wash. Throughout the town, festival events were held from April 23 through May 3, including a Costco pie-eating contest, a carnival, booths with local artists, face painting and hand-crafted jewelry, a salute to soldiers and the Apple Blossom royalty court. All were celebrated in the Grand Parade that took over the town on May 3.
The year 2009 marked 90 years for Wenatchee and it's Apple Blossom Festival. One of the festival's most treasured events was the election of the Apple Blossom Queen and her royal court. All of the past royalty were honored during the Grand Parade, and their pictures were displayed around the town.
This year, Katherine Safar was proudly crowned Apple Blossom Queen. Rebecca Higgins and Breanna Allstot were named Princesses of her royal court. Their parade float was met with a standing ovation.
“I remember it was such an honor and it’s so fun to still see my picture up and recognized,” said Jan Crollard, Apple Blossom Queen of 1976. “The winners this year are so sweet and are so proud, loving every minute of their fame.”
The Memorial Park Food Fair, just a block up from where the Grand Parade takes place, offered food choices like chocolate-covered strawberries, funnel cakes, piles of fries, gyros, and even deep fried twinkies.
People signed up for the Wenatchee three-on-three Apple Blossom basketball tournament months in advance. There was also the Apple Blossom Run, which took place at Riverfront Park, and the Classy Chassis Car Show, which took place at Eastmont Community Park.
“My students look forward to the parade and festival all year,” said Katie Montes, a local Wenatchee elementary school teacher. “It’s what Wenatchee’s all about. It represents the town and community and we all really love it.”