April 28, 2023 is the first of 10 days of fun as the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival kicks off its 96th year. More than 40 events are spread across the walkable city of Winchester, Virginia, which takes on the fun fashion of pink and green just for the occasion.
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If you’re a newcomer to the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, allow us to introduce you to the variety of events and a high level of what you can expect.
Parades & Family Fun
The Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade features firetrucks through Downtown Winchester on May 5 at 5:30 p.m. The Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on May 6 at 1:30 is a showcase of bands, horses, specialty entries, and celebrities.
Families will enjoy the rides and games of the Apple Blossom Carnival Powers Great American Midway daily (except May 1). Purchase a single ticket or a “pay one price” ticket for access to nearly everything all day.
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April 28 and 29 is the Old Town Winchester Artisan & Crafter Show downtown. It’s a free event along the walking mall with kids’ activities, too. The following day, April 30, is Fiesta Latina at the Millwood Station Banquet Hall at 11 a.m. Celebrate the Latin culture through food, entertainment, and art.
What’s more American than apple pie? Bring your best recipe, ingredients, clear 9” pie plate, and utensils to enter the Apple Pie Baking Contest on May 4. The competition will be held at Marker-Miller Orchards from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. Youth from ages 9 to 17 will compete against one another while adults battle it out in a separate category. Cash prizes, parade appearances, and a seat at the Ladies Horticultural Lunch on May 5 await the winners.
The free Fire Truck Rodeo, Antique Show, & Kids’ Activities event at Millbrook High School is May 5 from 9:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Fill in as much as you can and then head over to John Handley High School for the Coronation of Queen Shenandoah presented by Morgan Orthodontics. The ceremony is from 1:30 to 3 p.m. and is a ticketed event.
Don’t forget the fireworks on May 5! The Trex Music Fest precedes the American Woodmark Fireworks Display at John Handley High School, and you won’t want to miss a moment.
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When you’re ready to get your groove on, family-friendly evening entertainment includes the Valley Pediatric Dentistry Teen Night Out May 6 at 7 p.m. or the Mallow Toyota Country Music Party featuring 2022 American Idol winner Noah Thompson and runner-up HunterGirl at 8 p.m. Sunday, May 7, features Michael W. Smith and Cochren & Co. from 2 to 5 p.m. at Tolley Dental Zone at James R. Wilkins, Jr. Athletics and Event Center.
Sports
Right out of the gate, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival begins with the HoneyWay Apple Blossom Golf Classic, and is dotted with pickleball, tennis, and Esports competitions over the days before wrapping up with the Valley Health 10K on May 6.
“Run, run as fast as you can …” for the Shenandoah Valley Orthodontics Kids’ Bloomin’ Mile run May 5 at 4 p.m. at John Handley High School. Age groups are 6-7, 8-9, 10-11, and 12-14. The top three runners in each age group will receive awards and will ride in the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade. All participants will receive a race t-shirt and finisher medal.
Celebrity athletes make appearances at the Coronation on May 5, the Hang 10 Car Wash Firefighters’ Parade on May 5, the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast on May 6, and the Glo Fiber Grand Feature Parade on May 6:
- Kenny Wallace, Retired NASCAR Driver – Firefighters’ Parade Marshal
- Eric Dickerson, Pro Football Hall of Fame Running Back – Co-Sports Marshal
- Nazeeh Johnson, Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl LVII Champion – Co-Sports Marshal
- Gary Clark – Washington Redskins Two-Time Super Bowl Champion
See the entire calendar of events and purchase tickets online to fire up your 2023 Apple Blossom experience!