Manson,WA (MVT) - Tradition has played a continuing role in the Edd and Sharon LaMar families who are being honored this 88th year of the Manson Apple Blossom Festival .

According to Sharon, they have not missed one festival in all of the years they have made Manson their home, which started in 1968.  They arrived with a young family, Brett and Amy, who went on to graduate in fine style from Manson High School.  They now have families of their own and the tradition continues with Brett’s family coming up through the grade school.

But getting back to tradition with the festival, Edd started out managing the Queen’s Ball one year, sang in the choirs that Sharon organized for several years and many remember the entries into the Grand Parade of the famous Lake Chelan Building Supply Stud Horse regiment!  The stick horses made a grand and funny statement as the ‘family’ of workers at LCBS made their way musically down the route.

From left, Brett LaMar, with daughter Alyssa,8, in the wheelbarrow, Edd and Sharon LaMar, and Sheri LaMar pushing son Bryce, 6, in her wheelbarrow.

In successive years, Sharon had her hand in organizing the community choir with Kathy (Hibbard) Castrodale.  She helped Cora Hartley as she composed new music to the poem written by Joe Overbay titled ”Song of My Valley”, and she is always willing to lend her enormous singing talent to many productions.

Carrying on the tradition of helping their community, the LaMars have donated supplies from their business to families who have needed help.

Chelan Valley Players has benefited from their collective talents, not to mention Bretts’ involvement with the Snowmobile Club Search and Rescue unit and in staging their annual races.  Sheri is a kindergarten teacher in Manson and active in their church and raising their young family.

Tradition is a way of life for the Edd and Sharon LaMar family and Manson is proud to recognize their many contributions.