2025 Recipient, Karen Wade

FOR HER LONGSTANDING COMMITMENT AND SERVICE TO THE FESTIVAL

Karen Lisle Wade, a Yakima native and Eisenhower High School alumna (1974), has left a mark on the Wenatchee Valley. After graduating from Washington State University and Portland State University, Karen's career path led her to Nordstrom and later, as a flight attendant.

In 1982, Karen became the Administrator of the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival.  She along with Jim Telford created the Leman Johnson Award, the Food Fair when Karen brought the Funnel Cakes to Wenatchee, Youth Day, Patron Pins, Classy Chassis Parade.  Her passion for the festival continued beyond her tenure as Festival Administrator (1982-1986), as she co-founded the Junior Royalty program in 1994 and chaired the Youth Parade from 2000-2009. And for the past 20 years has assisted the Top Ten Candidates with their speeches and impromptu questions.

Karen's community involvement extends far beyond the festival. She has served on the North Central Washington Community Foundation Board, driven the Wade Family Literacy Fund, and supported various organizations, including Wenatchee Follies Guild, Chelan-Douglas County Land Trust, and Appleachee Riders.

Karen and her husband Mike Wade, whom she met while working at Nordstrom, and married in 1985, have raised three daughters; Robin, Jennie and Megan and enjoy four grandchildren. Together, they have built a legacy of entrepreneurship, community service, and volunteerism.

Following her festival tenure, Karen partnered with Mike to build a successful entrepreneurial venture. Together, they:

Co-founded and operated Frameworks
Partnered in the Toy Parade
Collaborated with Mike's family at Columbia Fruit
Owner of Fielding Hills Winery (celebrating 25 years)

Karen's community involvement is a testament to her dedication and leadership, she has:

Served on the North Central Washington Community Foundation Board
Driven the Wade Family Literacy Fund, providing books to newborns at Confluence Health
Supported Wenatchee Follies Guild as Past President and Follies Chair
Contributed to Chelan-Douglas County Land Trust and Appleachee Riders
Produced Wenatchee High School stage and musical productions

A special note Karen’s daughters: We grew up around the Apple Blossom Festival and its volunteer base, many of whom are friends of our mom. Throughout our childhood, as we joined our mom at various festival events, we heard stories about “the time Karen did this” or “the time Karen helped with that” – it is only now as adults, with lives and responsibilities much greater than the 10 year old girls who grew up hearing those stories, that we are beginning to appreciate the impact of her volunteerism. Thank you for recognizing our mother - we are in awe of the powerful volunteer base that makes the Apple Blossom Festival possible, so for you to recognize our mother’s capacity and dedication to making the Festival special means the world to us. 

Congratulations Karen on being the recipient of the 2025 Leman Johnson Award!