Getaway: Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival (150 mi. E)

The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, held in late April, is one of oldest and best festivals in the Pacific Northwest. The Festival is centered in the town of Wenatchee, about 150 miles east of Seattle. The celebration showcases the importance of the Apple Industry to Washington State, along with Wenatchee’s spectacular natural beauty, prosperous economy, and family values. It’s a great getaway for anyone living west of the Cascades.

Apples photo by C. Cancler

About Apples

While the actual origin of apples is not known, it is likely the apple tree originated between the Caspian and the Black Seas. Apples were a favorite of the ancient Romans and Greeks. There is archeological evidence that humans have enjoyed apples for at least 750,000 years. 

According to records belonging to the Massachusetts Bay Company, apples were grown in New England as early as 1630, brought by European settlers. Traders, missionaries, and Native Americans eventually transported apple seeds further west. John Chapman, also known as Johnny Appleseed, was responsible for extensive apple tree plantings in the Midwest.

Apples in Washington State

Apples found their way to Washington State in 1826 on a Hudson’s Bay Company sailing vessel. The apple industry in our state has grown to national significance. China leads the world in apple production, harvesting a record 38 million tons in 2012, followed by the United States. Washington State produces about 70 percent of the apples in the United States. Other leading states include New York, Pennsylvania, California, and Virginia. 

More than 175,000 acres of apple orchards are nestled in the eastern foothills of the picturesque Cascade Mountains of Washington State. The average size of a Washington Apple orchard is about 100 acres, but some cover as many as 5,000 acres and employ 300 or more farm workers year-round. It takes an estimated 35,000 to 45,000 pickers to harvest the apple crop during the peak of harvest.

Washington State growers successfully harvest a wide variety of apples including Red and Golden Delicious, Granny Smith, Braeburn, Honeycrisp, Fuji, Gala, and many, many others.

Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival happens every spring – DepositPhotos.com

2023 Washington State Apple Blossom Festival

The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival draws over 100,000 visitors from near and far to the 11-day event. The festival features food, entertainment, carnival rides, arts & crafts vendors, a parade, car show, vintage market, and more! 

Where: Wenatchee, WA (about 150 miles east of Seattle)

When: APRIL 27 – May 7, 2023

Highlights of the Apple Blossom Festival

• April 27 – May 7, 2023 from 11AM-8PM. Food Fair at Memorial Park, Chelan Ave and Orondo St. Reminder: NO DOGS in the Park (Wenatchee Municipal Code 5.28.090)
• April 28 – May 7, 2023 (hours vary) Funtastic Shows Carnival at Wenatchee Valley Mall in the Sportsman’s Parking Lot, 611 Valley Mall Parkway.
• May 5, 2023 @ 6PM. Classy Chassis Parade starts @ Grant Road and N. Georgia, continues along Valley Mall Parkway and ends @ 11th Street in East Wenatchee.
• May 5-7, 2023 (Fri-Sat 10:00 am-7:00 pm, Sun 11:00 am-5:00 pm). Arts and Crafts Fair at Memorial Park, Chelan Ave and Orondo St. Reminder: NO DOGS in the Park (Wenatchee Municipal Code 5.28.090)
• May 6, 2023 @ 11AM. Stemilt Grand Parade. Parade route starts @ Triangle Park, down Orondo St, left on Wenatchee Ave, and ends @ Seventh.
• May 6, 2023 from Noon-4PM. Classy Chassis Car Show at Eastmont Community Park, 255 N. Georgia Ave.
• May 13, 2023 from 9AM-4PM. Vintage Grace Market at Grace City Church, 277 Melody Lane.
• May 13-14, 2023. Two Rivers Medieval Faire at Rocky Reach Dam, 5000 State Hwy 97A (7 miles north of Wenatchee).
• More info: Festival Calendar — Washington State Apple Blossom Festival