The Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee

The Apple Blossom Festival takes place in Wenatchee in Eastern Washington, during the scenic springtime, when the rich orchards are bursting into bloom. Long before harvest time, the rows and rows of apple trees come out of the long winter slumber with delicate pink and white blossoms. This natural show when the weather warms up is a cause for celebration and the backdrop for the eleven-day festival at the end of April.

Apple Blossom Festival History and Facts

Wenatchee has been the host of the Apple Blossom Festival since 1919. The first festival, just one day long, featured a baseball game, concert, and a dance around the maypole. The festival’s inspiration, Mrs. E. Wagner, was very familiar with the apple industry since her husband shipped apples for a living. The New Zealand native had fond memories of her childhood festivals and brought the joy to the New World. In the many decades since, Blossom Days has enjoyed a rich history. It’s transformed into the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, an eleven-day celebration of the state’s apple industry.

Tickets to Washington State Apple Blossom Festival

The majority of the Apple Blossom Festival 2011 takes place at Memorial Park in Wenatchee—and you won’t have to worry about buying admission tickets. The vast majority of the things to do are free, including the entertainment and the parade. If you’re planning on enjoying the carnival rides or grabbing something to eat, you’ll need to bring along some extra money.

Directions to the Apple Blossom Festival 2011

Not far from Seattle or Spokane (a few hours from each), Wenatchee is nestled in a valley in the Cascade Mountains, between the mountains and the Columbia River. The trip from Spokane takes about three hours. Head west on Interstate 90 until you reach Exit 151. Take Highway 281 from George to Quincy until you Highway 28. From there, take a left and head east into Quincy.

Downtown Seattle is also three hours away. From the Puget Sound area and Seattle, take I-90 east until Exit 85. Turn onto Highway 970/97 and go north, crossing Blewett Pass, until Highway 2, which leads right into Wenatchee and the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.

Lodging near the Apple Blossom Festival

Wenatchee has a full range of accommodations. The Avenue Motel, at 720 N. Wenatchee Avenue, offers excellent views of the mountains and great rates. Several of the rooms have kitchens, and breakfast is included in the room rate.

In walking distance of downtown and close to the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival 2011, the Coast Wenatchee Center Hotel is found at 201 N. Wenatchee Ave. Its luxury accommodations include cozy, stylish rooms, complimentary airport shuttles, and an indoor/outdoor pool. If you’re looking to relax, you could visit the spa or enjoy a glass of wine while enjoying the views.