2025 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
2025 Recipient, Wenatchee Valley YMCA
For over 115 years, the Wenatchee Valley YMCA has been a pillar of strength, inclusion, and opportunity, enriching the lives of individuals and families in Chelan and Douglas counties. Through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility, the YMCA continues to empower future generations, ensuring that no child is ever turned away due to financial hardship.
The YMCA is also in the midst of its Building What Matters Campaign, a $33 million initiative to expand services and accessibility. With $22 million raised to date, the groundbreaking ceremony is set for April 10th, 2025.
TekniPlex Youth Parade Grand Marshal
2025 Recipient, Karen Rutherford
Karen has made a lasting impact on the youth of Wenatchee through her 25 years of dedication to education, mentorship, and community service. Her extensive involvement includes serving as a former Wenatchee City Councilwoman, a member of the Community Foundation of NCW Board of Trustees, and one of the organizers of TEDxWenatcheeED. She has also contributed to the Mission Ridge Ski Team, the Women’s Resource Center, and is a founding Board Member of Pinnacles Prep — the first charter school in the Wenatchee Valley.
Karen’s work extends to hands-on education as the former K–8 Science Resource Coordinator for the Wenatchee School District and as a coach and mentor for the Wenatchee Museum Robotics Team and Destination Imagination. She has helped organize Math Counts and Math is Cool programs, taught STEM/STEAM subjects at Wenatchee Museum summer camps, and created the Heart Dissection workshop for middle and high school students. Karen also assembled science kits for classrooms and accompanied students to Washington, D.C. for the Maker Cities Roundtable in 2015.
In recognition of her efforts, Karen will receive $1,000 to donate to a local charity of her choice, sponsored by Larson Gross. She will be honored as the Youth Parade Grand Marshal at the Tekniplex Youth Parade on Saturday, April 26, and recognized at the All-Service Club Luncheon, sponsored by Goodfellow Bros., on May 1.
