2026 Grand Marshals
The Grand Marshal tradition is a cherished part of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival, honoring individuals who have made a significant impact on our community. Each year, a distinguished person is selected to lead the Grand Parade, representing the spirit of service, leadership, and dedication that defines our region.
The Grand Marshal is chosen based on their contributions to the Wenatchee Valley and beyond, whether through civic leadership, philanthropy, volunteerism, or professional excellence. This honor recognizes those who have demonstrated a lifelong commitment to making a difference, inspiring others through their actions and passion for our community.
As the parade’s esteemed leader, the Grand Marshal serves as a symbol of the festival’s rich history and bright future, embodying the values that bring us together in celebration year after year.
Stemilt Grand Parade Grand Marshal
2026 Recipient, Jean Enersen
Jean Enersen Named 2026 Washington State Apple Blossom Festival Grand Marshal & All Service Club & Community Luncheon Speaker
The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival is proud to announce Jean Enersen, legendary KING-TV news anchor and journalism trailblazer, as the 2026 Festival Grand Marshal and the All Service Club & Community Luncheon Speaker.
Enersen will be honored and will be the Keynote Speaker during the All Service Club & Community Luncheon on Friday, May 1, 2026, at the Wenatchee Convention Center. Doors open at 11:30 a.m. Tickets are available at appleblossom.org. She will also ride in the Stemilt Grand Parade.
Jean Enersen made history as the first woman in the United States to anchor a nightly television newscast and is a multiple Emmy Award winner. Over her distinguished career, she interviewed world leaders and innovators including Bill Gates, Jeff Bezos, and Howard Schultz, traveled globally with the Gates Foundation, and covered historic events such as the eruption of Mount St. Helens, Olympic Games, and championship sporting events. Her reporting passion focused on health, sharing stories of medical breakthroughs and patient care.
A lifelong advocate for public service, Enersen now supports future nurses at Heritage University, Seattle Children’s, and healthcare providers serving rural and underserved communities across the Northwest.
“Like so many in our community, I grew up watching Jean Enersen on television, and it’s truly an honor to welcome her as our Grand Marshal and Luncheon Speaker,” said Kathy Campbell, 2026 Apple Blossom Festival Director General. “Jean is a Washington State legend and an incredible role model for all generations. We are beyond excited to celebrate her remarkable career and legacy with our community.”
TekniPlex Youth Parade Grand Marshal
2026 Recipients, Kevin & Jayne Vitulli
Kevin and Jayne Vitulli have made a profound and lasting impact on youth and families throughout the Wenatchee Valley through their dedication to community, creativity, and the joyful spirit of childhood. In memory of their son, Nicholas (Nick) H. Vitulli, they established the Nicholas H. Vitulli Memorial Fund in 2017 and created Nick’s Bricks, an annual community celebration centered on LEGO play, STEM education, imagination, and connection.
Nick’s Bricks began as a small gathering at Pybus Public Market following Nick’s passing in 2016, after he tragically lost his life while hiking in Africa at the age of 24. What started as a simple day of LEGO play has since grown into a beloved regional tradition. The free event is now hosted at the Wenatchee Valley Museum & Cultural Center after outgrowing its original venue and welcomes hundreds of children and families each year. The event is supported by more than 100 volunteers, community sponsors, and generous partners. Through hands-on building, crafts, games, and displays—including some of Nick’s own LEGO creations—Nick’s Bricks encourages problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and joy. The event reflects Nick’s gentle, kind, and joyful spirit, his love of LEGOs and music, and his lifelong curiosity and imagination. Faith, family, friends, and fun were central to Nick’s life, and those values continue to shape the heart of the event.
Through the Memorial Fund, Jayne and Kevin support nonprofit organizations that promote educational and constructive play and music, helping young people develop skills in STEM/STEAM, creativity, motor development, and self-expression—skills that connect play to real-world achievement.
As Jayne Vitulli has shared, what began as something unexpected has become something truly special: a community tradition that children look forward to year after year. Through their love, generosity, and vision, the Vitullis have transformed remembrance into opportunity, bringing joy, learning, and imagination to countless young people in Wenatchee.
Their selection as the 2026 Apple Blossom Youth Parade Grand Marshals honors not only Nick’s enduring legacy, but also the profound and positive impact Kevin and Jayne continue to have on youth throughout the community. The Youth Parade Grand Marshal is selected through nominations from community members who recognize individuals, organizations, businesses or families that have made a positive and lasting impact on the youth of our valley.
The Vitullis will receive $1,000 to donate to a local charity of their choice, sponsored by Larson Gross. They will be honored as Youth Parade Grand Marshals at the Tekniplex Youth Parade on Saturday, April 25, and at the All-Service Club Luncheon, sponsored by Goodfellow Bros., on Friday, May 1.
