The Bloom selects Former NFL WR and firefighter as Firefighters’ Marshal

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival announced Rashard Higgins, former NFL WR and firefighter, as the Firefighters’ Marshal on Wednesday.

During the announcement, Festival President Jeremy Luttrell said, “Rashard’s journey is a powerful example of purpose beyond the game. His commitment to service and community makes him an outstanding choice to serve as Firefighters’ Marshall during our 99th Festival.”

Higgins is a native of Dallas, Texas and played collegiately at Colorado State where he earned All American honors and was a finalist for the Biletnikoff award.

During his 2014 season, he led all of college football in receiving yards and touchdowns.

Higgins was selected in the fifth round of the NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns where he spent the next six seasons.

His best season came during the Browns 2020 playoff run where he connected with Baker Mayfield for nearly 600 yards and four touchdowns.

During the offseason, he began to pursue firefighter training and in September of 2025 he announced that he had officially joined the Dallas Fire-Rescue Department.

Visitors to the festival will see Higgins leading the Firefighters Parade and appear at events like the Fire Truck Rodeo, Coronation of Queen Shenandoah, the First Responders Recognition Reception, Sports Breakfast, and Grand Feature parade.

For more information on Rashard Higgins Apple Blossom appearance, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here. 

The Bloom announces Tim Brown as Sports Marshal

The Shenandoah Apple Blossom Festival announced last week that NFL Hall of Famer and Heisman Trophy winner Tim Brown will serve as this year’s Sports Marshal.

Brown rose to national prominence at Notre Dame where he became the first wide receiver to win the Heisman Trophy in 1987.

After being drafted 6th overall by the Raiders, he went on to have a prolific NFL career and earned the nickname Mr. Raider after spending 16 years with the franchise.

He sits behind just Jerry Rice in career receiving yards and tallied over 1,000 career receptions which ranks fifth in NFL history.

Brown also set Raider franchise records in receptions, receiving yards, and punt return yards.

After his retirement, he was enshrined in both the Pro Football and College Football Hall of Fames.

Off the field, Brown helps educate children on emergency preparedness through the “9-1-1 for Kids” program, serves as an ambassador for the President’s Council on Physical Fitness on behalf of Reebok, and has held roles as a host and commentator on radio and television.

During the festival, he will appear at both parades and speak at the Sports Breakfast.

For more information on Brown’s Apple Blossom appearance, click here.

For more news from across the Shenandoah Valley, click here.