We at Accidental Bavarian congratulate the 2011 Royal Lady of the Autumn Leaves, Nancy Watson. Each year the Autumn Leaf Festival Association (ALFA) chooses a member of the community to represent the association and the community of Leavenworth. The Royal Lady, along with other members of the association and other community volunteers, travels to communities throughout the Pacific Northwest promoting Leavenworth and inviting folks to enjoy the hospitality of Leavenworth. Mrs. Watson will ride the ALFA’s float in as many as 14 parades throughout the spring and summer.
Mrs. Watson, the 48th Royal Lady, has a long history in Leavenworth, though she has described herself as a comparative newcomer. Her husband, Lynn, was born and raised in Leavenworth. Mr. Watson’s mother, Pauline Watson, was the 1980 Royal Lady. Lynn and Nancy have a long history of community involvement and volunteerism in Leavenworth. The Watsons own Alpen Haus Gifts and the Alpen Rose Inn. Mr. Watson is one of the founding members of the Royal Bavarians, a service organization that supports the Autumn Leaf Festival, among other community projects. Mrs. Watson taught in the Leavenworth School District until her retirement in 2000, where she still serves as a substitute teacher on occasion.
The Washington State Autumn Leaf Festival is Leavenworth’s original festival on a calendar full of them. Established in 1964, the festival celebrates the changing of the seasons. The village is filled with activities, entertainment, food and a grand parade. The family-friendly festival is organized, sponsored and staged by the Autumn Leaf Festival Association (AFLA) in conjunction with members of the community, the Royal Bavarians, Leavenworth Chamber of Commerce and the City of Leavenworth.
This year’s Autumn Leaf Festival theme is 80 Years of Winter Sports. 2011 festival dates are September 23-25. The first scheduled float appearance for 2011 is the Tacoma Daffodil Festival Parade, April 9, 2011.
To read more about Leavenworth festivals the year-round, visit our Festivals page!
