With the 2022 Apple Blossom Festival just a month away this is a fitting time to highlight the third Miller girl, Kathy (Miller) Jackson, she was Manson Apple Blossom Princess in 1981. Last year I highlighted sisters Mona (Miller) Ferguson (1982 Queen) and Susie (Miller) Fox (1980 Queen). On top of that, their mother, Sandy Miller was honored as this year’s Citizen of the year at the “Night to Remember Recognition Dinner” on February 10, sponsored by the Manson Chamber of Commerce.
“Simply Delicious” was the theme for the 1981 festival. Queen Lynda Harding, Princesses Debbie Glenn, and Kathy Miller reigned over the festival. Their escorts were Bryan Mullen, Dan Quigley, and Paul Doering.
When asked why she ran for Manson Apple Blossom Royalty Kathy replied, “Growing up in Manson I dreamed of the day that I would be old enough to ride on the float. We have a very strong family history with the Apple Blossom Festival and I wanted to be a part of it. I have many fond memories of being Apple Blossom Princess, the best memories were enjoying this special time with my good friends. Lynda, Debbie and I had a great time visiting all the civic clubs and surrounding festivals.”
Do you have a funny story about your time as Princess? “I don’t know if it was the best memory but the one that stands out is the Wenatchee Parade. Somehow Manson’s application to the parade was lost and we ended up being the very last entry. We were right in front of the garbage trucks! The cool thing, everyone stood up for us when we drove by.”
Did you have a mentor while in high School? “One of my favorite teachers was Jennifer Skagen, my Home Economics teacher. She invested in her students and made you feel like you could ask her anything.”
After graduation Kathy attended Eastern Washington University in Cheney, receiving a degree in Recreation Administration and Business. She worked for a few years in the business field before choosing to stay home when her and Bob started having a family. Kathy currently works for the Monroe School District as a Family Engagement Liaison helping families make connections and find resources to help educate their children
In 1985 Kathy met her soon to be husband, Bob Jackson through a mutual friend. Their first date was playing Broom Ball (picture ice hockey but with brooms and tennis shoes). Kathy says it was a memorable night. Bob works for Microsoft as an Electrical Engineer.
Kathy and Bob currently live in Monroe, and will celebrated their 37th wedding anniversary in September. They are blessed with four children, three bonus kids (one son-in-law, two daughters-in-law) and one grandson.
“I miss not being part of Apple Blossom but I can live vicariously through my sisters, who remain active in the celebration. I’m active in our church, Cascade Community Church in Monroe and I volunteer in the Welcome Center, as the Mentoring Coordinator. We just installed a Free Library in our yard, I love sharing my love of books with my neighbors,” Kathy said.
Any recommendations for others thinking about running for royalty? “You will not regret it! Being an ambassador for our wonderful community was a great honor.”
“No one knows the future but Bob and I hope to retire in the next few years and enjoy traveling, and spending more time at our property in Manson,” Kathy concluded.
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