Tri-State Nissan Hosts 2017 Apple Blossom Sports Marshal Reveal
April 2017 | Winchester, Virginia: Earlier this month, Tri-State Nissan had the honor of bringing the community together for an exhilarating moment in Apple Blossom Festival history. Our showroom in Winchester set the stage for the official unveiling of the 2017 Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival Sports Marshal—none other than NFL great and “Dancing with the Stars” champion, Hines Ward. The event marked a memorable kickoff to the festival season, reminding us why we love being part of this vibrant local tradition.
Hines Ward Named 2017 Apple Blossom Festival Sports Marshal
The buzz was undeniable as guests, media, and festival organizers gathered at Tri-State Nissan for the big reveal. Hines Ward, a two-time Super Bowl Champion and longtime Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver, was welcomed as this year’s Sports Marshal with cheers and admiration. Now an NBC sports analyst, Ward brings both star power and humility to everything he does—making him a perfect fit for this beloved community event. Festival President Mike Stanfield shared his excitement, noting:
“We were very happy to get Hines Ward because of his Hall of Fame career. I’m sure he will eventually be in the Hall of Fame when he’s eligible. He has two Super Bowl rings, multiple Steeler records, and he won a mirror ball with Dancing with the Stars. That shows that he’s a multi-faceted, multi-talented guy.”
A Hint in the Showroom
In true Tri-State Nissan fashion, we couldn’t resist having a little fun ahead of the big reveal. Visitors to the dealership may have noticed a bright yellow Nissan Titan parked prominently in the center. While it seemed like just a bold color choice, it was a playful clue—paying tribute to the Steelers’ iconic black and gold. That subtle nod added a bit of mystery and excitement for fans trying to guess the honoree in advance. Dozens of packs of batteries, in every size imaginable
Why We’re Proud to Host
Hosting the unveiling of the Sports Marshal is about more than showcasing a football legend. It’s about honoring tradition, connecting with our community, and supporting the events that make the Shenandoah Valley such a special place to live and work.
This event aligns perfectly with our core values:
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Community: We’re proud to help kick off one of the region’s most beloved traditions.
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Relationships: By welcoming customers and festival-goers into our showroom, we’re strengthening the bonds that matter.
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Exceeding Expectations: From the surprise vehicle display to the reveal itself, we strive to make every community event unforgettable.
Spotlight on the 2017 Apple Blossom Festival Sports Marshal
As part of his role, Hines Ward was featured at the Partlow Insurance Sports Breakfast and the Grand Feature Parade, where he met fans and celebrated alongside other dignitaries and community leaders. His presence added excitement and star power to the festival, while also inspiring the next generation of local athletes and dreamers. To learn more about the Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival and upcoming events, visit the official site.
A Lasting Memory
Looking back, we’re proud to have played a role in this moment of Apple Blossom Festival history. The energy in the room, the smiles on fans’ faces, and the joy of seeing our community come together for something special—that’s what we’ll remember most. Whether it’s a donation drive, a local partnership, or hosting a Super Bowl MVP in our showroom, Tri-State Nissan is committed to supporting the community in meaningful and lasting ways.
