Fun Activities at the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival
Written by: Cherleen Manette F. Aquino
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As an old saying goes, "An apple a day, keeps the doctor away". These days, apples not only symbolize health and beauty but also hospitality and friendship. To highlight the importance of the apple industry in the State of Washington, the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival is held every year in Wenatchee, WA, which is known as the "Apple Capital of the World" due to the large number of apple orchards in the valley.
Originally called "Blossom Days", the festival started in 1920 as a one-day affair and is now being celebrated for 11 days, starting from the last weekend of April to the first weekend of May. The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival brings more than 100,000 visitors to Wenatchee every year.
There are a lot of activities that will definitely catch the interest of the whole family. The majority of things to do at the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival are free, such as parades, live music, fairs, and exhibits. But if you want to enjoy the great food and carnival rides, it is best to bring some extra money. Here are some of the things that you should not miss during the festival.
1. The Grand Parade
The Grand Parade is the highlight of Washington State Apple Blossom Festival. Every first Saturday of May, at exactly 11AM, the cannons reverberate to proclaim the start of the parade. Bands from all over the Northwest join the parade together with the colorful floats and dignified equestrian units. The Seattle Police Motorcycle Drill team also performs an exhibition of their daredevil maneuvers. Sponsored by Stemilt Growers, various awards are also given to outstanding floats and equestrians.
2. Youth Parade
The Youth Parade gathers bands and drill teams from various schools in Washington to march down the streets of Wenatchee performing the numbers and the stunts they have prepared just for the occasion. Prizes are given to best performances per grade level. Some 4,000 people participate in the Youth Parade every year.
3. Live Music Entertainment
Entertainment is staged at Memorial Park so that visitors will enjoy the evenings on weekdays of the festival and have fun all day on weekends. You can enjoy many genres of music, ranging from rock, pop and jazz, to Latin, Indie pop and country music.
4. Arts and Crafts Fair
With almost 150 exhibitors that sell their products and wares at the fair, visitors can discover great merchandises and souvenirs from the festival. Awards are given out at the end of the fair, such as "Best of Show" and the "Royalty Award".
5. Food Fair
The Festival Food Fair held in Memorial Park is the most delicious part of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival. Visitors and tourists will find wide assortment of tasty treats that will satisfy their palate. There are also meals available for lunch and dinner.
6. Carnival
Come to the Funtastic Shows Carnival and revel in the wide array of games for both the young and the oldyoung at heart. Experience the excitement and adventure offered in the rides on the carnival. Funtastic Shows Carnival is located at Riverfront Park. It opens at 5PM during weekdays and 12PM in weekends.
RV Campgrounds in Wenatchee, Washington
To complete your camping experience during the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, find a Wenatchee campground or RV park to stay at.
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