Miss Nappanee Apple Blossom Queen

01/18/2026

Can you find Neila? It might be cold, but hearts were definitely warmed today! ♥️

If you want to be part of this amazing night, good news: registration has been extended!

01/11/2026

It’s been awhile since we’ve posted here, so we hope you’re following us over on Instagram under the same name! Night to Shine is always one of our Queen’s favorite events outside of the festival. ♥️ Come volunteer and see why for yourself! Added bonus: it’s in Elkhart this year!

💙 Guest Registration is CLOSED 💙
We are beyond excited to be at capacity for Night to Shine — but this is also the part that always makes our hearts a little heavy when we have to say no to late guest registrations. Every “no” reminds us how deeply this night matters.

✨ Right now, our greatest need is BUDDIES. ✨
Buddy registration is OPEN until January 17th, and we urgently need more buddies to ensure every guest is fully loved, celebrated, and cared for on this special night.

Being a buddy is more than volunteering — it’s showing up for someone who deserves a night full of joy, dignity, and belonging. One night can make a lifelong impact. 💫

🙏 Help us by sharing this post so it reaches someone who may be the perfect buddy for one of our guests.

📝 Please consider signing up today:
Volunteer / Buddy Registration:
https://forms.gle/qSMQToy9C9uFW3716

Thank you for stepping in, saying yes, and helping us make Night to Shine everything it’s meant to be. 💛

09/18/2025

Her reign is almost in the rear view mirror, but we have to give a big thank you to Elise for beautifully representing the festival at the state pageant, local parades, and various events throughout the community! We know there are so many great things up ahead for you and will continue to cheer you on! ❤️🍎👑

09/09/2025

07/21/2025

11/10/2024

We’re so proud of the beautiful job Elise did representing the festival last night!

Here’s what she had to say: “It was an absolute honor to represent Nappanee at the Indiana State Festivals Pageant! I had a wonderful experience with all the girls and we had a blast all weekend. Congratulations to Marisa! You will be an amazing queen ❤️”

11/09/2024

Today’s the day! Our 2024 Queen, Elise is in Greenfield competing for the 2025 Indiana State Festival Queen! Interviews are this afternoon and the pageant starts at 7 pm tonight! Join us in wishing Elise the very best and stay tuned for updates! 👑🍎

09/21/2024

It’s going to be an apple-solutely great day! Come join us for all the fun! 🍎🍏

🌞 Good morning, festival-goers! 🌞

Welcome to the biggest day of the festival! 🎉 Today is jam-packed with parades, contests, entertainment, and so much more! Make sure you enjoy yourself, fill your bellies, stay hydrated, and shop till you drop (but please, don't actually drop)! 😄🛍️

Here's a sneak peek at some of today's event (non-entertainment) lineup:

7-10am: Pancake & Sausage Breakfast ($) (900 E. Centennial Street)
8:30am: Apple Festival Donut Dash 5K Run/Walk ($) (Nappanee Elementary School)
8:45am: Napple Baking Contest (Kountry Cabinets Entertainment Tent/Depot Plaza)
10am-9pm: Food & Craft/Commercial Exhibitor Booths
10:30am: Airplane Fly Over by The Hooligans Flight Team
10:30am: Parade w/ Airplane Fly Over by The Hooligans Flight Team (Starts at corner of Miriam & Market)
11am-10pm: Carnival Rides
11:30am: Co****le Tournament ($) (Nappanee Elementary Gym)
12-4pm: Wings & Wheels/Car & Airplane Show (Airport-3 miles east of town)
12:30-2pm: Child ID (Nappanee Police Department)
1pm: Special Olympics (Chase Bank)
1-4pm: Young Eagles - Free Youth Plane Rides (Airport-3 miles east of town)
2pm: Garden Tractor Pull (Callander Sportsplex)
2pm: Kids Pedal Pull Contest (The Block-Formerly Korhorn Financial - 219 W. Market St.)
2-10pm: American Legion Beer Garden
2:15-3:15pm: Apple Pie Eating Contest
3pm: Great Apple Grill Off ($) (American Legion)
3:15-3:45pm: Cross Cut Saw Contest (UFP Nappanee Stage/North Clark Street)
3:30pm: Adult Pedal Pull Contest (The Block-Formerly Korhorn Financial - 219 W. Market St.)
3:45-4pm: Wings & Wheels Car Show Awards (Airport-3 miles east of town)
3:45-4:15pm: Apple Peeling Contest (UFP Nappanee Stage/North Clark Street)
4pm: Wings & Wheels Car Show Parade of Classic Cars (Airport [3 miles east of town] to downtown)
4:30pm: Goldfish Races (The Block-Formerly Korhorn Financial - 219 W. Market St.)

For a full list of events, check out our brochure. Trust us, you won't want to miss a single moment! See you there! 🎪✨

09/20/2024

Here she is! Congrats to Queen Elise and our court members-Mallory, Trysta, and Kloe! All of these young women did amazing tonight and we’re SO proud!
More pictures to come soon, but for now, we’re going to get some rest before the fun filled weekend begins!

09/19/2024

Quick take over! Before her reign comes to an end tonight, we at the Apple Festival, have to thank Amber for the INCREDIBLE job she has done as Queen this year. If you know Amber, she gives what she loves her all. Amber went to the festival state pageant and received 2nd runner up and overall evening gown winner, she traveled to various different parades and events in different counties, representing the festival and Nappanee in new places. While doing these things, Amber was also finishing her undergrad, working a full time job (60+ hours!) over the summer, and recently started vet school! From the bottom of our hearts, thank you Amber for being the Queen that you are and representing the festival so beautifully ♥️ We can’t wait to see all that you accomplish in the future!

09/15/2024

Introducing your 2024 Miss Nappanee Apple Blossom Queen Contestants! Who will be this year’s queen?! Come to the Kountry Cabinets Entertainment tent this Thursday night at 7 PM to find out which of these incredible young ladies will be crowned! 👑🍎