Apple Blossom is Manson's longest-running festival, held the second weekend of May each year, and promises to dazzle as it celebrates the blooms that blanket apple trees throughout the valley.
The Apple Blossom Festival features an exciting schedule of events throughout the weekend, including a parade, where entrants throughout the state create a blooming procession through the heart of downtown Manson. Other activities include a pancake breakfast, quilt show, community and student art exhibits, vendors, chicken noodle dinner, pageant and more.
Apple Blossom Tours
While you're here for the festivities, experience Manson's incredible beauty and incomparable scenery on a scenic drive. Travel through rolling hills covered with apple blossoms, gaze at majestic mountain tops or stroll the lakeside – you will not be disappointed.
Click below to view the scenic maps, or download the PDFs below.
Manson Area Map Manson Scenic Loop Winery Tour Map
Each year a new theme is chosen – reflecting a different manner of celebration – as a competition takes place for Manson Secondary School students to compete for the coveted title of Apple Blossom Queen. Royal Court is selected to represent our community in events and other festivals throughout the state. Junior Court is selected from our Kindergartners, who also take part in the parade, pageant and activities.
During the Festival, Apple Blossom attendees are always on hand to assist visitors in getting the most from their Apple Blossom Festival experience, which includes must-have memorabilia. Fantastic events, like the annual Pig-Jig Run/Walk, get the party started – with parade, vendors, Apple-Idol contest and other activities completing the weekend-long extravaganza.
89th Manson Apple Blossom Festival
Deliciously Manson
May 8-9, 2009
Grand Marshal for 2009: Susie Bennett Royalty: Queen Kelsey Harding, Princess Marci Nelson and Princess Whitni England.
Manson Apple Blossom Headquarters open around the 1st of May
Locations: Various venues downtown Manson, WA – see listing below Contact: (509) 687-3833 For more information, see the official Manson Apple Blossom Festival website.
Friday May 8
A Taste of Manson (Edible Apple) 2-4 p.m. Location: Manson Apple Blossom Headquarters Chairperson: Betty Stout
Nostalgia Night 7-9 p.m. Come experience Nostalgia Night as past and present meet at the Manson United Methodist Church. Deliciously Manson treats available. Chairperson: Alice Killian
Saturday May 9
Kiwanis Breakfast 6-9 a.m. A delicious fare of pancakes (regular or huckleberry), eggs, bacon, coffee, and orange juice. Location: Manson Grange Hall Basement
The Pig Jig Fun Run Register at 7:30 a.m at the Lake Chelan Business Center (Manson) Race begins at 8:30 (2K or 5K) All ages are welcome. Pre-register by May 7 for $12 or register parade morning for $15. Chairperson: Kyla Allen—call 682-4502 for information and pre-registration
The Street Fair Saturday Along main street vendors will have Mother’s Day gifts for you….come see!! Chairperson: Bonnie Pepple
Quilt Show before the parade until 3 p.m. Enter your homemade quilts or come view them and vote for your favorite. Admission: an Apple Blossom Button Location: Grange Hall, Upper Level Chairperson: Linda Stone
Parade 10 a.m. in downtown Manson At the blast of the fire siren the parade begins. The award winning Manson Apple Blossom Float, designed by Diana Ellsworth, will lead the parade. We have many creative local participants. Come join the crowd, the parade or just have fun! Chairperson: Megan Schoenwald
Chicken Noodle Dinner following the parade until 2 p.m. The famous chicken and noodles have been on the menu for years. Served with green beans, coleslaw, rolls and homemade pies it fills you up as you sit and visit with long lost friends or your neighbor. Location: North Shore Bible Church Chairperson: Manson Growers Staff
The 2nd Annual Manson Idol contest following the parade Location: at the end of main street For children and adults. Come share your talent! Chairperson: Hal Killian
Community Art Show Saturday and Sunday Come see fantastic art by the locals who share their talents during this time of year. Location: New Park Office Chairperson: Betty Pettit
Pageant Saturday, 6 p.m. Location: at the Grange The culminating activity for the Festival tops off a weekend of reunion and celebration by the community honoring the Royalty and the Grand Marshal with entertainment, the Grand March and the Waltz. The Ladies in Waiting provide a grand entrance and exit. The Junior Court—flower girls, train bearers and trumpeters add to the festivities. Admission: Pageant -- Apple Blossom Button Chairperson: Apple Blossom Committee
Just as Manson offers outdoor fun and adventure in every season, the resort also features a year-round schedule of special events, parties and memorable, one-of-a-kind happenings. Browse our comprehensive monthly event listings to see what's going on in the resort during your next visit.
