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March 23, 2017
Dear Friends and Neighbors,
It doesn’t feel much like spring at the state Capitol, with all the gray
skies and above-average rainfall we’re having. That’s why I was especially glad
to host this year’s Apple Blossom Royalty in Olympia this week. Just the words
“Apple Blossom Festival” make me think of orchards, fields, the smell of blossoms
– and our usual warm, sunny weather back home.
I appreciate how the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival sends its
royalty as ambassadors to locations and events throughout the state (including
our Legislature) to promote our traditions and agricultural heritage. It was an
honor for me to sponsor the Senate resolution honoring the Apple Blossom
Festival (scroll down to see the formal resolution) and a great pleasure to get to know this year’s Royal Court: Queen Amy
Sand, Princess Alissa Riker, and Princess Paige Chvilicek.
This year the queen and princesses met with Representative Steele, Representative
Condotta, Secretary of State Kim Wyman, and Governor Jay Inslee. I also
appreciated being able to introduce a group of such bright and graceful young
women to many of my legislative colleagues, as representatives of our region. To
top it off, the ladies proudly distributed Aplets and Cotlets throughout the Capitol.
2017 Apple Blossom Royalty Song and Interview
Once again, the Royal Court’s visit to Olympia included the debut of their “royalty
song” about the festival. This year it’s to the tune of a recent Justin
Timberlake hit -- click
here to enjoy the video of their performance.
I also interviewed the queen and princesses in the Capitol Rotunda about
their day at the Capitol and the Apple Blossom Festival; click here for the video.
Secretary of State Helps Register Royalty to Vote
Among the highlights of the day was the time spent with Secretary of State Kim
Wyman. One member of the Royal Court registered to vote while she was at Secretary
Wyman’s office, and two pre-registered – which state law allows for 17-year-olds
who will turn 18 by Election Day. It’s rewarding to see young people showing
such interest in their state government.
While they certainly had a full day in Olympia, Queen Amy, Princess Alissa
and Princess Paige handled the whirlwind of activity and appearances with
smiles and laughter. As the Senate resolution put it, they “exemplified the spirit and
meaning of the Apple Blossom Festival.”
I enjoyed being able to host them and appreciate everyone in the Wenatchee
Valley who sponsors and supports the Apple Blossom Festival. The 2017 festival, which goes from
April 27 to May 7, will indeed be "Awesome Blossom"!
Thank you for the opportunity to
serve you!
It is my great privilege to serve as your state senator. If you have any
questions or comments, please contact my office anytime using the information
below. If you are planning a trip to Olympia and would like to visit the
Capitol Building, I would be happy to connect with you or your group when you
are here.
I encourage you to share this newsletter with friends and family; they may subscribe using the information below my contact information. Thank you for allowing me to represent you in Olympia!
Sincerely,
Brad Hawkins
State Senator
Brad Hawkins
12th Legislative District
E-mail:
brad.hawkins@leg.wa.gov
Website: senatorbradhawkins.org
107 Newhouse Building
- P.O. Box 40412 | Olympia, WA 98504-0412
(360) 786-7622 or Toll-free: (800) 562-6000
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