May
The oldest blossom festival in the United States, this event has been held annually in
Wenatchee, Washington, since 1920 (with the exception of the World War II years).
It began with a suggestion from Mrs. E. Wagner, a Wenatchee resident who wanted to
see something similar to the celebration held in her native New Zealand when the apple
orchards were in bloom.
Originally called Blossom Days, the event grew in size and popularity until it reached its
current status as an 11-day festival drawing up to 100,000 spectators.
In 1947 the name of the festival was officially changed from the Wenatchee Apple
Blossom Festival to its present name, although it continues to be held in Wenatchee, the
"Apple Capital of the World."
In addition to seeing the Wenatchee Valley orchards in full bloom, the events include
parades, a foodfest, a marching band competition, and sporting events. In 1967 the
Aomori Apple Blossom Festival in Japan became Wenatchee's "sister festival," and the
two towns have exchanged visitors a number of times.
Full story:
https://encyclopedia2.thefreedictionary.com/Washington+State+Apple+Blossom+Festiv
al
Mike Dippel
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