The Land of Pink and Green is gearing up for the 90th Annual Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival, the area’s largest springtime celebration. The Festival kicks off on Friday, April 28 with the Bloomin’ Wine Fest and the festivities continue through Sunday, May 7. The Winchester Police Department (WPD) is committed to ensuring the safety and security of local residents and visitors. Therefore, WPD will have a strong police presence at events throughout the week. The public is asked to assist in ensuring everyone’s safety by doing the following:
- Staying aware of your surroundings
- Reporting any suspicious activity immediately to law enforcement
- Keeping your belongings with you at all times
The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival will have bag checks at the entrances into many events. We strongly recommend that guests do not bring large bags, backpacks, and large handbags to events unless it is absolutely necessary. If an item is left unattended it is subject to search and disposal. Diaper bags that have necessary items for small children are acceptable; however they will be subject to searches. At outdoor events, one unopened bottle of water is allowed per person. No water containers are allowed.
The following items will be prohibited at Apple Blossom events:
INDOOR EVENTS
- Backpacks/large bags over 9"x12" (clip board size)
- Food, snack, beverages, including water bottles
- Alcohol
- Weapons, knives of any kind
- Any items that could be used as or construed to be a weapon
- Illegal drugs
- Bottles, cans, thermos, coolers
- Animals (except for service)
- Aerosol/spray cans
- Noisemakers
OUTDOOR EVENTS
- Food, snack, beverages, including water bottles
- Alcohol
- Weapons, knives of any kind
- Any items that could be used as or construed to be a weapon
- Illegal drugs
- Bottles, cans, thermos, coolers
- Animals (except for service)
- Aerosol/spray cans
- Noisemakers
- Exceptions: diaper bags with small snacks, sippy cups, and juice boxes for children
Detour Route
The detour route goes into effect on Friday, May 5 at 3:30 p.m. and will remain in effect until the end of the Firefighters’ Parade (approximately 8:30 p.m.). On Saturday, May 6, the route goes into effect at 8:00 a.m. until the end of the Grand Feature Parade (approximately 7:00 p.m.).
You can find maps, detours, and parking information on the City of Winchester’s website, www.winchesterva.gov/shenandoah-apple-blossom-festival.
We strongly encourage anyone who is not attending a festival event to utilize alternate routes:
Interstate 81 and Routes 37, 50, 7, and 522. Drivers in the City of Winchester should expect heavy congestion and delays. We ask for the public’s patience and cooperation with traffic changes.
Parking Restrictions
“No Parking” signs will be posted on Thursday, May 4. The parking restrictions go into effect and are strictly enforced beginning at 7:30 a.m. on Friday, May 5 and continuing until approximately 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 6. There are no exceptions to these restrictions, even for residents.
The Winchester Police Department will attempt to locate the owner of a vehicle that is not following parking restrictions to avoid towing. If the owner cannot be located, the vehicle will be ticketed and towed. If your vehicle is towed, contact the Winchester Police Department’s non-emergency number at 540-662-4131 to find out where to pick up your vehicle. Various towing companies will be utilized to assist in the enforcement.
Parking in Old Town Winchester
With the many street closings and parking restrictions, the parking garages are the best alternative for parking in downtown Winchester. All four downtown garages are one block from the parade route or the Midway. Purchase advanced reserved parking in a garage on either May 5 or 6 for $15 per day (cash or check). Stop by the George Washington Autopark to purchase a reserved parking ticket. If space is still available on Friday or Saturday, parking in the garages will be available for $15 (CASH ONLY).
- Friday, May 5: Garages will be open from 10 am to midnight.
- Saturday, May 6: Garages will open at 8 am and will not have a set closing time.
Handicap Parking
- Handicapped parking is available at each Apple Blossom sponsored event. Parking in the downtown garages for the Grand Feature Parade is recommended.
- Handicapped parking for Weekend in the Park will be available in front of the War Memorial Building.
- Do not park on streets that are closed to parking.
Animals/Pets
Pets are not permitted inside Shenandoah Apple Blossom ticketed events.
Pets are also not allowed to enter the Loudoun Street Mall area during Apple Blossom events on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6 (as per Section 5-15 of the Winchester City Code). The prohibited area is defined as the area north of Cork Street, south of Fairfax Lane, east of Braddock Street and west of Cameron Street inclusive of the named streets.
The dates and restrictions are: Noon on Friday, May 5 to 6 pm on Saturday, May 6. Permitted animals include: (1) service animals, (2) vendors that have obtained written authorization from the Chief of Police, and (3) residents living within the designated area can to walk their animals to and from their residence but may be required to show proof of residency while walking their animals through designated areas.
Children
Every year children are separated from their parents during the festival. Parents and guardians are asked to take a picture of their children with their cell phone and to also know what their children are wearing to assist in locating them if they become lost. Inform your children to go to a uniformed police officer for help if they get lost. To report a lost child, call the Winchester Police Department’s non-emergency number at (540) 662-4131.
Alcoholic Beverages
Persons attending any festival event on public streets or grounds are prohibited from consuming alcoholic beverages or being in possession of an open container. Consumption of alcoholic beverages by persons 21 years and older is allowed at some festival events within approved areas and restaurants where state licenses have been obtained. Officers will be actively enforcing laws pertaining to open containers and drunk in public. If you plan to drink, remember to drink responsibly and designate a sober driver before you leave home.
Public Works
The Public Works team deploys more than 265 barricades and 200 cones throughout the city to be used for traffic and crowd control. The team also provides approximately 2,000 trash boxes that will be used during the festival. The trash is picked up after each parade and it is collected Saturday morning following the fireworks held on Friday. There will be recycling containers at some of the events; however, residents are encouraged to take items home that can be recycled.
Collection Change: Refuse collection on Friday, May 5 will occur early. Residents whose trash pickup is on Fridays should place trashcans by the curb Thursday or before 5:00 am on Friday, May 5.
Additional Resources
The Winchester Police Department will be utilizing the Apple Blossom Festival’s Smartphone App to keep local residents and festival attendees informed about emergency situations including traffic hazards and areas to avoid. Those who sign up will be notified through push notifications. Download the app today and remember to activate notifications so you can stay informed.
For questions regarding street closures, parking, and detour routes, the Winchester Volunteers in Policing will be available by phone Thursday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. until 5:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:00 a.m. until noon to answer questions. The numbers are (540) 545-4737 and (540) 545-4738. DO NOT call the WPD non-emergency number or 9-1-1 for festival questions.
Agency Assistance
The Winchester Police Department’s entire force will be providing security for the festival and will be assisted by a number of agencies, including: the Virginia Defense Force, the Winchester City Sheriff’s Office, Frederick County Sheriff’s Office, Virginia State Police, Northwestern Regional Adult Detention Center, Mount Weather Police, FBI, Northwest Virginia Regional Drug and Gang Task Forces, Winchester Emergency Communications Center, City of Winchester Emergency Management, and civilian employees and volunteers with the Winchester Police Department.
Have a safe and happy Bloom!