Jenny Evans named 2026 Royal Lady of the Autumn Leaves

LEAVENWORTH – Jenny Evans has been named the 2026 Royal Lady of the Autumn Leaves, an honor that will see her represent Leavenworth at festivals and parades across the Northwest. The announcement was made during the annual Royal Lady Gala on March 3.

Since 1964, the Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival Association has selected a Royal Lady each year to represent Leavenworth’s Bavarian traditions and welcoming spirit. For Evans, the role of Royal Lady is an opportunity to represent and give back to a community that has supported her family across generations.

“There's been four generations that have benefited from how amazing this community is,” said Evans. 

Over the years, she has raised four children, owned a business, and traveled around the world. Now, she’s watching her grandchildren grow up in the same mountain town she chose four decades ago.

“I love to travel, but I also really love to come home. I feel very lucky that I live in Leavenworth,” said Evans.

This year marks 40 years since Evans moved to Leavenworth – a story that is rooted in family and entrepreneurship. When 801 Front Street was put up for sale, her parents proposed a plan where they would run the downstairs gift shop Der Markt Platz, while Evans’s husband at the time would run the upstairs businesses, Kris Kringl and Cafe Christa. With a newborn, a toddler and a new business, the Evans family settled into their new life in Leavenworth during the peak of summer tourism.

“Life got off to a big start,” said Evans.

Over time, the businesses grew and evolved, as did her family. As others ran the businesses, Evans worked as a registered nurse. Then in 1996, Evans said her dad approached her about buying the 801 Front Street property and taking over Der Markt Platz.

She went on to operate the gift shop for more than two decades before retiring in 2017, passing the torch to the next generation. Today, her son operates Colchuck’s and Stein in the same building. Two of her other children have also since built their lives and careers in Leavenworth, with one daughter running Kris Kringl, while another has her own law practice.

“All four of our kids had a really good experience in Leavenworth,” said Evans. “And now I have three grandkids in the Cascade School District that are all doing well.”

Following in the footsteps of the Royal Ladies before her, Evans will make her first appearance at the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee, followed by Leavenworth’s Maifest. She will then represent Leavenworth at festivals in Spokane, Portland (Ore.), Marysville, Cashmere, Olympia, Seattle, and Penticton (B.C.). Her journey will conclude in September at Leavenworth’s Autumn Leaf Festival. However, it won’t be her first time on the parade circuit. When her daughter was named Leavenworth Junior Miss, Evans accompanied her along the route.

“I was surprised at just how excited everyone along the parade route got when the Leavenworth float came by,” said Evans. “I think it's a great impact to promote Leavenworth on those parade routes.” 

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media