Saturday, April 27, 2024

Leavenworth's Annual Autumn Leaf Festival Returns This Weekend

Festival celebrates 60th Anniversary

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LEAVENWORTH - The countdown is underway for Leavenworth's iconic annual autumn celebration, the Autumn Leaf Festival, set to return to downtown Leavenworth this weekend.

Since it was established, this festival has ingrained itself in the community's identity, attracting visitors from across the Pacific Northwest.

At its core, the Autumn Leaf Festival pays homage to the vibrant fall foliage, the shifting seasons, and the natural beauty of the area.

The festival’s lineup is as colorful as the foliage itself. Festival board president Jessie Swider said attendees can look forward to an array of attractions.

“It’s a ton of fun,” Swider said. “We get bands, floats, and acts from all over the Pacific Northwest. So it’s just a really great celebration that matches the spirit of our town and the communities all around our region. It’s going to be a beautiful day and it should just be really fun and festive.”

These attractions encompass a parade, clown performances, a circus, live musical acts, food vendors, and more.

The Grand Parade, commencing at noon downtown on Saturday, stands as the festival's pinnacle event, featuring over 70 participants this year.

This year, the festival boasts two grand marshals, Carl and Sheila Bergren. Both Carl and Sheila have long been dedicated supporters of the local arts community, generously contributing hours to advance arts and culture in the Leavenworth area.

The Autumn Leaf Festival Royal Lady, April Watson, a proud Leavenworth resident with deep-rooted ties to the region, carries on the festival's tradition. Her grandmother-in-law, Pauline Watson, her mother-in-law, Nancy Watson, and her aunt Cindy Hassinger have all previously held the esteemed title of Royal Lady.

The festivities extend throughout the weekend, promising an unforgettable experience for all. The festival maintains its family-friendly atmosphere, with admission being free to all.

Autumn Leaf Festival Parade Line-up

VFW

Grand Marshal-Carl & Sheila Bergren

Autumn Leaf Festival Float

Past Royal Ladies Heidi's Wagon

Past Royal Ladies

Jessie Swider ALFA President Small Float

Lynn O Watson Kanzler Royal Bavarians

Mayor

City Administrator

Alpen Horns

Tillicum Riders

Bellingham High School Band (Honor Band)

Stephen Varner

North Queens Drill Team

Leavenworth Scooter Babes

Sequim Irragation Festival

River Ridge High School Band

Miss East Cascades Scholarship Org

Walla Walla High School Marching Band

Deer Park Community

1930 Model A

Capital Lakefair

Wahluke High Shool Band

L-Bow the Clown

Mt Vernon High School Band

Penticton Peach Fest

Greater Leavenworth  Museum

Spokane Lilac Festival

Ballard Eagles Drill Team

Ballard High School

Miss Washingston  Scholarship Org

La Senoritas Drill Team

Washington State Eagles Youty Royalty Crt

Mason County Forest Festival

Corazon De Mexico Folklorico

Sultan High Schooll Marching Band

Connell Community

Legends of the Sound Port Orchard

Monroe High Scool Bearcat Band

Little Miss Prosser Court

Prosser High School Marching Band

Under the Big Top-Adventure Awaits

Lake Chelan Pirates

Mt Baker Mountaineer Marching Band

Orville May Festival

Mrs World United

USA World United Beauty Teigan Borus

Bellevue High School Marching Band

Upper Valley Christian School

Quincy High School Band

First Baptist Church of Leavenworth

Appleatchee Riders Queen

Ilwaco High School Marching Band

Daffofil Festival

North Thurston Marching Band

Jefferson Co Rhody Festival

Squalicum High School Band

Marysville Strawberry Festival

Meridan Marching Trojans

New Westminster Hyack Festival

Medical Lake High School Cardinal Marching Band

Hoist the Hops

Othello High School Huskie Marching Band

Wenatchee High School Apple Marching Band and Color Guard

WA State Apple Blossom Festival Jr Royalty

WA State Apple Blossom Festival

Royal Roasrians

Eastlake High School Marching Band

Cashmere Heart of WA

Redhawk Pride Marching Band

Seattle Seafair Commodores-SS Commodore

OV Marching Band and Drill Team

Cascade Ambulance


 

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