Sunday, January 19, 2025
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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