Sunshine And Smiles For 2026 Washington State Apple Blossom Parade

updated with Parade Awards announced on May 4th (see below)

The 2026 Washington State Apple Blossom Festival was blessed with picture-perfect weather, and organizers have pulled off one of the best 10-day festivals ever.

The fun isn't over yet. Three more official Apple Blossom events remain on the 2026 festival calendar.

• Washington Trust Bank Apple Blossom Appreciation Golf Tournament on May 8.
• The Mayne Event fundraiser for Wenatchee Valley College Athletics on May 9, 2026
•  Tour de Bloom Bicycle Racing, May 14–May 19

Here are some highlights of the 2026 Stemilt Growers Grand Parade on Saturday, May 2, through downtown Wenatchee.

Below is a list of award winners recognized during the 2026 Stemilt Growers Grand Parade.

 Float Awards

 Grand Sweepstakes Award

Presented to the most outstanding float in the parade

Oroville May Festival, “Taking Flight for Freedom” (#92)

Community Sweepstakes Award

Outstanding float in the Community Division

Miss Sunnyside Court, “Harmony of Sunnyside” (#44)

Spirit of the Festival Award

Honoring exceptional volunteer-made or community-built floats

Deer Park Community Float, “Let Freedom Ring” (#99)

Stemilt Sponsor’s Choice Award

Selected as the favorite float by our presenting sponsor

Manson Apple Blossom Festival, “Hometown Harvest” (#58)

Royalty Choice Award

Chosen by the Apple Blossom Festival Royalty

Jefferson County Rhododendron Festival, “Jefferson County Rhododendron Festival” (#67)

Golden Apple Award (In Memory of Ben Fritz)

Given to a float deserving special recognition

Capital Lakefair, “Lakefair: Let the Medieval Magic Begin!” (#86)

 Equestrian Unit Awards

 Judged on presentation, cleanliness, and crowd appeal

Best Royalty Equestrian

Miss Omak Stampede 2026, Kayden Coffey (#71)

Best Group Equestrian

Ellensburg Rodeo Posse, “Ambassadors on Horseback” (#95)

Judge’s Award

Miss Moses Lake Roundup Rodeo Queen, Kaylee Stump (#18)

Most Original Clean-Up Crew

2026 Rodeo Champions of America Washington Royalty (#30)

 Specialty Unit Awards

 Recognized for uniqueness, entertainment value, and costume creativity

1st Place Specialty

Folklorico Tierra del Sol, “Fiesta de Arte y Colores de Oaxaca” (#41)

2nd Place Specialty

Bureau of Land Management, “Enjoy your public lands.” (#59)

3rd Place Specialty

Yes for Wenatchee Schools PAC, “We Are All In The Same Boat - Vote Yes For Wenatchee Schools” (#33)

Most Original Specialty

Gee Whiz II and Auvil Fruit Company, “Safety is Sweet” (#52)

 Band Awards

 Red Delicious Division (Open Class: 91+ Students)

1st Place Band: Ballard High School Marching Band and Dance Team (#73)

2nd Place Band: South Kitsap High School Marching Band (#114)

 Gala Division (Large Class: 61–90 Students)

1st Place Band: Quincy High School Marching Band (#85)

2nd Place Band: Bethel High School Bison Marching Band (#66)

 Ambrosia Division (Medium Class: 36–60 Students)

1st Place Band: Lake Chelan High School Mountain Goat Marching Band (#103)

2nd Place Band: Eastmont High School Wildcat Marching Band (#5)

 Cosmic Crisp Division (Small Class: 1–35 Students)

1st Place Band: Ellensburg High School Marching Band (#98)

2nd Place Band: Wahluke High School Marching Band (#78)

 Band Sweepstakes Award (Highest Overall Score)

Kennedy Catholic High School Lancer Marching Band and Color Guard (#26)

 Drum Major: Wenatchee High School Golden Apple Marching Band and Color Guard (#22)

 Drill Team (Auxiliary) Awards

 Red Delicious Division (Open Class: 91+ Students)

1st Place: Kennedy Catholic High School Lancer Color Guard (#26)

Gala Division (Large Class: 61–90 Students)

1st Place: Quincy High School Drill Team (#85)

Ambrosia Division (Medium Class: 36–60 Students)

1st Place: Cashmere High School Bulldog Drill Team (#22)

Cosmic Crisp Division (Small Class: 1–35 Students)

1st Place: Wahluke High School Drill Team (#78)

For complete information on the 2026 Apple Blossom Festival, visit the festival website