Manson Apple Blossom Royalty Drive-By On Saturday

A scaled down recognition of the Centennial Anniversary

by Denis Rahm

Pictured above left to right: Princess Nadia Verduzco and her escort Connor Torgesen; Queen Teresa Venegas and her escort Blake Cochran; Princess Libbey Ireland and her escort Parker Schoenwald. Royalty Portraits by Sherrard Studios.

This was supposed to be a highlight year for the annual Manson Apple Blossom Parade and Festival. Plans were in full force to recognize the 100th anniversary of the event…..and then, the COVID-19 pandemic changed everything.

In early April it was announced that the festival would be cancelled. Shortly afterwards, the Festival committee looked at at the possibility of observing the event during Manson’s 4th of July celebration, but that idea was later nixed.

Now a small drive-by event has been scheduled for this Saturday morning (5/9/20) at 11:00 a.m. that will honor the 2020 Royal Court. The drive by will follow the traditional parade route from Leffler Field through town to Manson Bay Park to commemorate the Festival’s Centennial Celebration on the very day the parade was originally scheduled for.

Queen Teresa Venegas and Princesses Nadia Verduzco and Libbey Ireland will be riding in three separate classic cars as they are escorted through downtown Manson by the Chelan County Sheriff’s Office and the Manson Fire Department.

In a phone interview Fire Chief Arnold Baker indicated his strong support for this unusual drive-by event. “We want to acknowledge the effort these young ladies put into preparing for the 100th Manson Apple Blossom Festival,” he said. “Their desire to serve as ambassadors for our community deserves to be recognized.”

Baker encouraged community members to remain compliant with state and local restrictions along the “parade route” by parking only in established parking spaces between Leffler Field and Manson Bay Park. Social distancing can be accomplished if spectators remain in their cars, honking their horns and cheering the royalty as they are driven slowly down the street.

Gathering along the sidewalk is discouraged, and no road closures will be observed.

The drive-by “celebration” will be livestreamed by LakeChelanNow on our Facebook channel and archived for future viewing.

These pictures, taken just prior to the statewide “Stay at Home” proclamation, perfectly capture the enthusiasm and joy of the Royal Court and their Escorts in preparation for the Manson Apple Blossom 100th Festival.

Congratulations — the community is incredibly proud of you!