New York, NY (Top40 Charts) Get your Bloom on!
With 88 years of planning experience, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival offers something for all ages.
For all Ages - Carnivals, Parades, Queens and a Pop Idol!
Beginning with the Wine Festival the first weekend, the Powers Great American Midways will open for two weekends beginning on April 24th and going thru May 3rd. Bring the kids out to the traditional Carnival Lot, located at 2400 Valley Avenue [Route 11 South]. Look for the glow in the sky! The Chevrolet Midway opens Friday, May 1st, at 10:00 AM, and closes at 10:00 PM. It continues on Saturday, May 2nd, with the same hours. For the first time ever, this year a new Midway Kids' Zone will be featured! The Kids' Zone, located on the Bank of Clarke County parking lot, will feature a "Free Moon Bounce". Also in the zone, will be a bubble shooter vendor, a dipping dots kiosk, shaved ice vendors, kettle corn, BBQ and other Midway food and games. Late addition! A Chevrolet sprint car raced by
Kevin Harvik has just been added. It simulates driving in a NASCAR Race using TV and the car's controls. It will be on the Midway both days from 10:00am to 10:00pm.
One of the most popular activities at the festival is the coronation of the
Queen and the Grand Feature Parade. "I can remember as a student at Handley High School being in the pageant that was presented after the coronation on the steps of the school. I was in the pink and green ballet - one side of our dresses were pink and one side green. Over 200 students just kept turning different ways making unique beautiful blossom colors on the steps. Then it was off to get on a float and wave to the crowd in the Grand Feature Parade, said Nancy Craun, owner of Go Blue Ridge Travel.
For those late owls who want to dance the night away - Starting on
Thursday night, April 30th, there is the Grove's Winchester Harley Davidson
Thursday Night Fever
Disco Dance Party. On Friday, May 1, one can attend the Jim Stutzman Chevrolet
Cadillac 80's Dance Party.
Doors open at 7 p.m. but check on the ticket availability. It is very popular. Back by popular demand is the super-hot, '80s tribute band—RUBIX KUBE.
For the Teen Girls -
Kevin Jonas is the Grand Marshall of the Grand Feature Parade. Jonas is a member of the Grammy-nominated band, Jonas Brothers.
For Kids Only - Beginning with the Kids Bloomin Mile to a Firefighter's
Parade and Fireworks, and finally wrapping up on Sunday with Weekend in the Park, kids can have a blast at the festival. The certified course runs in front of the parade grandstand and covers the first mile of our famous 10K course. The race will be held at 4 p.m. on Friday, May 1, and age-group awards will be presented promptly after the race. All registered runners will receive a T-shirt and a commemorative timing chip. All of those who finish will receive a medal. Plan to attend this fun event.
For the older generation of youngsters - For over 75 years, the Horticulture Society members have come from in- and out-of-state. From a few ladies gathering in a private home to about 400- 500 attendees, the Ladies' Horticultural Luncheon, sponsored by the Women's Auxiliary of the Virginia
State Horticultural Society, continues to be one of over 42 events of the Festival week. This year it will be held at the Lee-Jackson Restaurant at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, May 1.
So if one wants to get everyone involved in a family road trip, the Shenandoah Apple Blossom is your ticket to a great time for all generations. Check out the bloom.com and see why the festival has been around for 88 years! Check it out this weekend on Go Blue Ridge Travel.
