WENATCHEE — It might have the shortest parade in recent Apple Blossom history with around 92 mostly local entries, but no one seemed to care. After more than a year of dealing with the COVID-19 pandemic, people were just happy to be outside with good weather enjoying a parade on Saturday.

Apple Blossom 2020 princess Kaia St. John looks at her hair that was put in a comb at the Art To Suit You booth during the opening day of the Arts and Crafts Fair at Memorial Park Friday. She and royalty last and this year walked through the fair, judging booths for the Royalty Choice Award.

WENATCHEE — After a one-year hiatus, the chairs are coming back. And so is the parade. Orondo Avenue’s annual migration of portable seating will be followed Saturday by a parade lineup 95 entrees strong.

Eastmont High School director of bands Maggie Whiteman encourages her jazz band while they play "Mr. Blue Sky" at Memorial Park's Gesa Entertainment Stage during the Apple Blossom Festival on Tuesday. "It's unreal," she said of the band's opportunity to play on a public stage. Eastmont choirs also sang for the crowd at the park. For a list of upcoming performances, go to the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival webpage, appleblossom.org.

This year's Apple Blossom Festival Queen Brooke Perez, left, is sharing some of her duties with last year's Queen Tess Sparks, here easting some of their favorite desserts at the Memorial Park Food Fair Monday, June 7, 2021. Both of the royal court will be riding in the community parade as last year's festivities were cancelled due to COVID-19 precautions.

People enjoy the Memorial Park Food Fair Friday. A popular Washington State Apple Blossom staple, the food fair will be open through Sunday, June 13 from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Washington State Apple Blossom Junior Royalty for 2021 are from left: Princess Morgan Neuenschwander, daughter of Stephan and Kristin Neuenschwander, Wenatchee; Queen Eve Hunter, daughter of Nigel and Nicole Hunter, East Wenatchee; and Princess Maxine Mathison, daughter of West and Courtney Mathison, Wenatchee. Morgan attends Washington Elementary School. Eve and Maxine are students at River Academy. The fifth-grade girls were chosen by a panel of educators from two essays they wrote. There were 62 candidates this year. They will attend some Apple Blossom events with the older royalty including the Stemilt and Keyes Fibre Community Parade on June 12.

The much-awaited evening is almost here for 10 excited candidates at this year’s Apple Blossom Royalty Selection Pageant. Friends and families will attend Saturday’s festivities in the hundreds, though most — over 250 — in cardboard cutout form.

The 2021 Washington State Apple Blossom Festival top ten royalty candidates were announced at the Numerica Performing Arts Center Tuesday night.

They are — (E) from Eastmont and (W) from Wenatchee — from left to right: 

Front row: Kaylynn Schmitten (E), daughter of Brent and Angela Schmitten; Olga Murillo (E), daughter of Ismael Murillo and Margarita Rodriguez; and Brooke Perez (E), daughter of Luis and Sundi Perez. Middle row: Libby Gallaher (E), daughter of Bob and Michelle Gallaher; Tatum Kentnor (W), daughter of Todd Kentnor and Tracy Trotter; Kamryn Fowler (W), daughter of Steve and Melissa Fowler; and Kody Richards (W), daughter of Gregg and Faith Richards. And back row: Sophia Hernandez (W), daughter of Miguel and Ana Hernandez; Olivia Fonville (E), daughter of Jason and Shelley Fonville; and Alex Toth (W), daughter of Andrew and Connie Toth.

EAST WENATCHEE — As one of Eastmont High School’s valedictorians and a girl who loves her politics, Queen Tess Sparks has thought about the potential significance this year’s Apple Blossom Festival could have.

Washington State Apple Blossom royalty candidate Carmen Valencia begins a mock panel interview in front of apple blossom volunteers in a room at the Rivertop Bar and Grill in Wenatchee Wednesday.

Washington State Apple Blossom top 10 royalty candidates were announced during a ceremony Wednesday night at the Numerica Performing Arts Center in Wenatchee.