Irma Bumgarner Keeney Named

2010 Manson Festival Grand Marshal

BY STEVEN P. VAUGHN

Manson Apple Blossom Committee 

 “I feel so honored, I’m still speechless,” beamed long time Manson resident Irma Bumgarner Keeney about her selection as the Grand Marshal for the 2010 Apple Blossom Parade. Keeney was so astonished the day she was asked by the Apple Blossom Royalty, that she couldn’t speak for a while. When prompted by her daughter Patty, she finally squeaked out, “Well . . . . I guess.” The 91 year old Mansonite then turned to Jama England, Chairperson for the Apple Blossom Committee, and asked, “Couldn’t you think of any older people than me?”

        Irma, who has resided in Manson since 1931, was one of the 11 members of the 1936 graduating class from Manson High School. “Times were hard,” she recalled. When she met Lowell “Swede” Keeney, he, his father, and brothers worked for 30 cents an hour at a produce warehouse in Chelan Falls.  Four years later they were married and became apple growers. Irma remembers, “We had 12 acres and Swede and I did all of the work; pruning, thinning, and irrigation. It was hard work and long days. We only hired people to help with the picking during harvest.”

        Swede and Irma had two daughters, Patty and Linda, who also graduated from Manson High School, along with many other relatives.

        The annual Apple Blossom Festival was an event that the Keeneys never missed. Irma stated, “It was a time when you could spend 2 to 3 hours visiting with Manson residents you didn’t get to see very often.” She remembers when the parade route ran the opposite direction and the parade was less formal than it is today. In 1996, she and her sister Jean acted on an idea that they had thought about for a few years. They walked the parade route in disguises and spoke to bystanders. “Most people had no idea it was Jean and me,” said Irma with a twinkle in her eye, “But they talked to us anyway. It was so much fun.”

Swede passed away a couple of days prior to the 1998 parade which marked the only time that Irma had missed the parade. The following year, additional family members joined in on the charade created by Irma and her sister. Together, the family thought of a theme, decorated the float, and created costumes for the parade. All of the activities were performed in secret at the Keeney residence which has been Irma’s home since 1956. The clandestine plan was kept confidential until the start of the parade, which intensified the family’s glee. Irma’s Jeep, which she and Swede purchased new in 1956, pulled the float.

Every year since, family members travel from California, Oregon, and Western Washington to participate in this family reunion and tradition. Often their theme, a spoof on the Festival’s theme, created an even higher level of bliss for this mischievous band. This wayward group call themselves the “Culls” because Irma’s daughter, Patty says, “cull apples have a few flaws and that described the group perfectly.”  Over the last 10 years, Irma’s family has won 5 Parade Award plaques and the Spirit of the Festival Trophy. This past decade of gala tradition has now boosted Irma’s parade attendance to over 60 years!

Irma is the perfect Grand Marshal for this year’s “Country Pride” theme because she loves the country lifestyle in Manson. Keeney smiled as she stated with pride, “I love it here and I always have. Its home. All of my memories are here. Manson is a small community with friendly, good people.  I’m proud to be a Mansonite.”

“We have been considering Irma for the parade’s Grand Marshal for several years,” shared Jama England, Apple Blossom Festival Chairperson, “But I’m elated that her selection coincides with the 90th Apple Blossom Festival anniversary!” Grand Marshal Irma Keeney, Queen Ally Mendivil, Princess Marlene Gonzales and Princess Bronte Toolson will all shine with “Country Pride” and honor Manson in the parade on May 8th.

There will be one float with a twist on the theme and cloaked in secrecy until parade day. The “Culls” must carry on the tradition  . . . even if mom is the Grand Marshal.