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
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.
