Manson Apple Blossom 2008 - "Making of the Crowns"
Written by Sandy Miller
Monday, 07 April 2008
Manson,WA (MVT) - One of the oldest “traditions” of the Manson Apple
Blossom Festival is the making of crowns for each set of royalty to keep as a
memento of their reign.
Starting in 1947 when her daughter Marjorie was queen,
Edna Bennett, decided they needed a unique crown highlighting the pink and white
apple blossoms.
Princess Laura Cross has her crown adjusted by Manson Apple Blossom Crown maker, Susi Bennett. Susi is the third in line of a crown making family tradition which was initiated by her grandmother Edna Bennett and continued by her mother-in-law, Nita Bennett.
Always a crafter, Edna, decided sea shells tipped in
soft pink were the natural material to use and to this day, 61 years later, her granddaughter–in-law, Susi Bennett, has continued that
tradition. In total, Edna made crowns
for 30 years, and then her
daughter-in-law, Nita Bennett, crafted them for seven years and Susi assumed the
duty in 1986 and has since designed fresh each year the outstanding crowns for
the girls to keep.
Before she was through making crowns, Edna made a
permanent crown and scepter that is used during Selection Night and for the
festival day activities.
Manson,WA (MVT) - One of the oldest “traditions” of the Manson Apple
Blossom Festival is the making of crowns for each set of royalty to keep as a
memento of their reign.
