Apple Blossoms for Appleton Inc is transforming the cityscape of Appleton Wisconsin, one flowering crab apple tree at a time. Established as a family organization in 2012 by Babs, Michael, and Matthew Smith, they have donated over 300 apple blossom trees to the City of Appleton many along the Apple Creek Trail.
The inspiration behind Apple Blossoms for Appleton Inc. arose from a simple yet powerful question: If Washington D.C. can celebrate cherry blossoms, why can’t Appleton have its own apple blossoms? This vision led to the founding of a charity that combines community spirit with natural beauty. Starting with only a handful of trees each year, the organization now donates around 50 trees annually, continually beautifying the city and building on its Tree City USA status. The trees flower around Mother’s Day and the blooms are vibrant and beautiful.
Since its inception, Apple Blossoms for Appleton Inc has achieved significant milestones. What began as a modest effort with a few trees each year has grown into a full-blown 501c3 charity with a dedicated Board of Directors. The organization created a Tree Locator Program, giving donors a unique GPS coordinate for each tree planted, many in memory of a loved one. This initiative offers a lasting tribute and a place for reflection, strengthening the emotional ties within the community. Additionally, Apple Blossoms for Appleton actively engages with local businesses through its Fox Cities Chamber membership, enhancing festival activities with sponsored events.
2026 saw their inaugural Apple Blossom Festival held the day before Mother’s Day. It is becoming a signature event for the city featuring Appleton’s first ever kite festival with jumbo kites, stunt kites, and a chance for everyone to fly a kite. The event includes hot air balloons, live music, a beer garden, nature walk, bike ride, and a children’s area with fun candy drops and free kites for kids. The Apple Blossom Festival is a celebration of nature, family and community, drawing residents and visitors alike, creating a vibrant space to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms while supporting local vendors and nonprofits.
The future for Apple Blossoms for Appleton Inc is as bright as the blossoms they plant. Plans for the next annual festival are underway for May 8th, 2027, promising to build on its success with even more tree donations aimed at minimizing city expenditures on tree planting. The organization is also exploring the planting of real fruit-bearing trees to aid those facing food insecurity. They hope to install a trailhead at the end of the Apple Creek Trail, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment for everyone. With the tragic tornado disaster in July, the organization is broadening its objectives to include planting trees to replace a few of the trees lost across the Fox Cities.
“We love Appleton and donating flowering apple blossom trees, especially when they honor loved ones,” shares a representative from Apple Blossoms for Appleton Inc. “Seeing someone visit their tree to remember a loved one is truly special”. Learn more here. With a commitment to community and the environment, Apple Blossoms for Appleton Inc is not only improving the city’s landscape but also enriching the lives of those who call the Fox Cities home. As they look to the future, the promise of more blooms and greater community impact ensures they will continue to be a cherished part of the Fox Cities.