Kathy Campbell, Director General

Kathy’s involvement with Apple Blossom dates back to the 60’s marching in the Youth Parade with her Elementary & Jr. High School drill teams. She also marched in the Grand Parades in the 70’s with the WHS Apple-Ettes and riding the float as a Top Ten candidate. Kathy has judged the Jr. Royalty essays several times, was a Jr. Royalty Chaperone for three years, and chaperoned the 2022 Apple Blossom Royalty. She is on the Apple Blossom Board of Directors, Executive Committee, and just completed 6 years of service on the NPAC board and was recently elected as an Emeritus to the NPAC. She is a retired elementary teacher of 38 years from the Wenatchee School District and with her husband Bruce, have 2 grown children and 7 grandchildren. When she isn’t playing with her grandkids, she is gardening, golfing, walking with her walking buddies or watching Hallmark movies with Bruce.

Mary Ann Castro, Assistant Director General

For as long as she can remember, Mary Ann looked forward to Apple Blossom time in the valley. She worked in her mother’s small family business, Anna’s Creations Bridal Boutique & Tuxedos, and learned first-hand of her mother’s love of community. In 2009 Anna’s Boutique started providing the formal gowns worn by the royalty.   Mary Ann then learned about the Wenatchee Applarians from Pat & Rolfe Ogle and since then, becoming a member of the Wenatchee Applarians has been an exciting and fulfilling experience for her. Mary Ann was the 2024 Applarian Chancellor and is the first Mexican American Woman to hold this title.   Mary Ann was born and raised in the Wenatchee Valley. She graduated from Wenatchee High School, Class of 1999. Mary Ann became a Licensed Cosmetologist in September of 2001, then returned to Wenatchee Valley College and graduated in the spring of 2018 with her AA and a certificate in Business and Accounting. Mary Ann works at St. Joseph Catholic School. When she isn’t working, she is coaching girls soccer, volunteering at her church, spending time with her family and helping her loved ones. Mary Ann and her husband Nacho have two daughter Annaleah and Arabella.

Greg Wood, Program Director

Greg, a dedicated member of the Wenatchee Valley community, embodies the spirit of volunteerism that is central to the Apple Blossom Festival. Having grown up in a family of Apple Blossom volunteers, he and his wife, Ceci, continue this cherished tradition by generously giving their time and energy to the festival.  Ceci was a 2023 and 2024 Royalty Chaperone.

Greg has a wealth of experience, having served on the Apple Blossom Board of Directors and actively participating with the Wenatchee Applarians, as well as assisting with the decoration of the Royalty Float and chauffeuring the Royal Float to many out of town festivals. His most recent role as a Parade Marshall on Grand Parade Day highlights his passion for engaging with the community, as he greets parade-goers along Wenatchee Avenue and answers their questions.

His true joy, however, lies at Memorial Park during the festival, where he serves as the Food Service Manager for Weinstein Beverage Company/Pepsi Cola, "The Official Beverage of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival." Greg takes pride in ensuring that food vendors have a steady supply of refreshing ice-cold Pepsi, adding to the enjoyable experience of festival attendees. He appreciates being at the park, calling it "the center of the festival" due to its vibrant atmosphere, delightful music, delectable food, and the joyous smiles from visitors. It's a place where he reconnects with friends and neighbors, making it an essential part of his social life.

Outside of the festival, Greg and Ceci, married for 35 years, have raised three wonderful children and are delighted grandparents to three grandchildren. Their family also includes a couple of energetic dogs. Greg enjoys a variety of activities, including camping, golfing, barbecuing, and cheering for the Seattle Mariners and Seahawks, as well as supporting his grandkids in their sporting events.

Siobhan Fryhover

After two years of chaperoning, a daughter in Top Ten, two sisters in past royalty and many years of going to parades and pageants – Siobhan thought being involved with the Festival as a Royalty Chaperone in 2017 & 2018, on the Board of Directors and Executive Board and as the 2023 Director General was a great way to give back to the community and stay involved. Siobhan was raised in Wenatchee, a University of Washington graduate, relocated to Wenatchee to marry her Junior High Sweetheart Todd and has 2 wonderful children, Reid and Claire, two grandchildren and of course, her darling furry child, Theo. Siobhan retired from Confluence Health with 29 plus years of working in Human Resources. Family, friends, biking, golfing, and walking are a few of the things she loves to do along with helping others. Siobhan’s family and are a big part of her life as well as her large extended family.

Gavin Gahringer

Gavin was born and raised in the Wenatchee Valley. He attended college at Eastern Washington University and earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Marketing. Gavin is now working at Martin Morris Insurance Agency focusing on employee benefits and life insurance. When he isn’t working, he is golfing or spending time with his family. Gavin was an MC for the 2018 and 2019 Apple Blossom Pageant, and works with the Parade Marshal for both the Youth and Grand Parades, and also volunteers in the Beer Garden and anything that has to do with Memorial Park.  Gavin and his wife Bailee have one daughter Penny, and a son due in January 2025.

Adele Haley

Adele was a 1974 Apple Blossom Princess, an Apple Blossom Board Member from 2004 -2012, and joined our board again for the 2019 Apple Blossom Festival. Adele has not only been a board member for Apple Blossom, she was Director General in 2012, a 2013 & 2014 Chaperone, Chaired: Booster Pins, Prime Parade Seating,  the Queens Ball and now merchandise.  Adele's service to the Festival does not stop there, she has volunteered for our Annual Auctions, Youth Parade Information Booth, and in our Apple Blossom Office. In her spare time Adele is employed by Confluence Health!

Alex Haley

Alex chaired the First Annual Blossoms and Brews Event in 2012. The Event was a HUGE success and in 4 short years, has grown to take place all 11 days of Festival. It has quickly become one of the Festival's most anticipated Events! Alex has a BA in Marketing and Business Administration from Western Washington University and a Craft Beer Trade Certificate from Central Washington University. Alex also puts on the local Comedy Festival each year! Alex is the Marketing Director for the Numerica Performing Arts Center.

Rebecca Maloney

ART 4 KIDZ
In the brilliance of Pablo Picasso's wisdom, he stated that "Every child is an artist."  As the Art4Kidz chair, Rebecca wholeheartedly believes this to be true, and enjoys the light and joy each child contributes through their annual festival entries.  The unbelievable talent pool in our valley is showcased each spring through our online art show.  Rebecca has called Wenatchee home since 1981, and, she, along with her husband, Greg, and four children, feel thankful to be part of such a loving, caring community.

Susan Mullen

CHIEF FOR A DAY
Susan was raised in the Wenatchee Valley and works at the Washington State Patrol. She has been a part of the Chief for a Day committee for almost 20 years. Together with Apple Blossom they were able to get this program established under the Apple Blossom umbrella. This is where she found herself getting connected to this remarkable community event. Susan is married to David Mullen and they have been married for 31 years and have three wonderful children and 4 grandchildren. Susan also volunteered on the Mission Ridge Ski Patrol for 27 years and has been a part of the Sundowners at Three Lakes for the last 10 years. Her hobbies are skiing, golfing, and kayaking!

Megan Sand

Megan was an Apple Blossom Top 10 Candidate in 2016 and received the “Most Photogenic”, and “Most Original Speech” scholarships. Megan graduated from the University of Washington in 2020 with a B.A. in Business Communications and in Dance -GO DAWGS! She is now pursuing a career in Education, and is working on her Master’s Degree in Elementary education, while also working for the Wenatchee School District. Megan is the proud daughter of 2022 Applarian Chancellor Brian Sand & Lady Diane, and also sisters with 2017 Apple Blossom Queen Amy Sand. She is the youngest member  of the Wenatchee Applarians, will be Assistant Chair for this year’s royalty float design, and just adores serving her Valley and community!

Matt Smeller

Although Matt grew up in the Wenatchee Valley, he didn't become involved in the festival until 2018 when his daughter was crowned a Junior Royalty Princess. This experience allowed him to see how the festival brings the entire community together to celebrate and share our rich culture with others. Matt teaches elementary music at Cascade Elementary in the Eastmont School District. He and his wife Sarah, (also a teacher) have two teenage daughters (Ava/Natalie) and a goldendoodle named "Apple!" In his spare time he enjoys mountain biking and travelling with his family in their travel trailer.