Apple Blossom Festival begins with Little Chiefs taking their oath of office for the day

Chelan County Sheriff's "Little Chief" for the Day, Nate Veteto with Sheriff Mike Morrison at opening day ceremony at Apple Blossom Festival April 24.

The 106th Washington State Apple Blossom Festival is underway. It’s a time honored celebration of the agriculture industry.

Queen Ella Johnson reigns over the week-long event, along with Princesses Daeja Carlson and Yasmin Perez.

Opening day events, Thursday afternoon, at Memorial Park in Wenatchee included the official badge pinning of the Little Chiefs of the Day.

"Chief Nate Veteto, I think he's already cracking his whip and getting us all in line and making sure we're all doing our job," said Chelan County Undersheriff Dan Ozment. "A very special day with the Sheriff's Office. Nate is a very unique individual, has a spring of life about him. He's an awesome individual."

“What a pleasure it was to have Little Chief (Sheriff) Veteto visit our office this week, touring the facility and connecting with staff. Little Sheriff Veteto is already showing he’s ready to follow in the big footsteps of past Little Sheriff’s. We’re grateful for his visit and touched by his kind heart and bright spirit,” the Sheriff’s Office posted on Facebook.

Chelan County Superior Court Judge Kristen Ferrera administered their oath of office during a noon ceremony on Thursday.

In all, seven youngsters were selected to serve varying agencies as ‘little chief’, each wearing custom tailored uniforms, including:

·        Nate Veteto, River Academy, Chelan County Sheriff’s Office,

·        Rodrigo Garibay, a Cascade Elementary, Douglas County Sheriff’s Office,

·        Rebecca Fox at Lewis and Clark Elementary, Wenatchee Police,

·        Jordan Arnold at Lee Elementary, East Wenatchee Police,

·        Charlee Rose Lyons, Mission View Elementary, Washington State Patrol,

·        Tilly Clark, Newberry Elementary, Wenatchee Valley Fire,

·        Jack Ballamis, Kenroy Ellementary, WA Department of Fish & Wildlife.

“It’s not just our little chiefs, it’s their whole classroom, their families and Little Chiefs from past years coming back to visit us. It’s a 100% positive day and it’s one of the best days of the year to be a cop in the Wenatchee Valley,” said Wenatchee Police Chief Edgar Reinfeld.

The Washington State Apple Blossom Festival in Wenatchee continues through May 4 and features arts and crafts, live music, a food fair, carnival and Youth Day on Sunday, April 27. The Apple Blossom Grand Parade in downtown Wenatchee is May 3.

The Manson Apple Blossom Festival opens May 9 with the coronation of Queen Genesis Torres, and princesses Brynn Williams and Isabella Alexander. The Grand Parade through Manson is on Saturday, May 10.

Washington State Apple Blossom Royalty, Princess Daeja Carlson, left, Queen Ella Johnson, and Princess Yasmin Perez.