WENATCHEE, WA - What do you get when you mix a bucket of Cosmic Crisp® apples, a 1926 Ford Model T, a giant Ladybug car, and a whole lot of community pride? Another unforgettable day at the annual Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival Grand Parade!

The Mathison family, proud longtime sponsors of the parade and founders of Stemilt Growers in Wenatchee, Washington, showed up in style and spirit this year, rolling through downtown Wenatchee in their vintage Ford Model T and the fan-favorite Stemilt Volkswagen Ladybug. In their hands: a bucket full of juicy, flavorful Cosmic Crisp® apples. Check out this video of the family in the parade!

“Apple Blossom is more than a parade; it’s the heartbeat of our valley,” said West Mathison, President of Stemilt, said in a press release. “It’s an honor to support a tradition that brings together neighbors, families, and generations. A huge thank you to the organizers for keeping this celebration as vibrant as ever.”

First held in 1919, the Apple Blossom Festival is a cherished tradition in the Wenatchee Valley, showcasing the region’s agricultural roots and vibrant community. For Stemilt and the Mathison family, it’s the perfect place to celebrate where their fruit journey began and to share a taste of what’s next. 2025 marked the 106th annual Apple Blossom Festival and the start of a new crop year.

“Cherry season has just begun, and we’ve officially started harvest in our California orchards,” said Mathison. “At Stemilt, we’re proud to offer one of the longest cherry seasons in the industry, stretching from May through September. Each spring, the blossoms on our apple, pear, and cherry trees burst to life right alongside the Apple Blossom Festival, fueling our passion and energy for the season ahead.”