The Strawberry Festival is continuing a long-standing tradition of honoring elders in the community with the titles of Senior Royalty. Residents of Merrill Gardens, Grandview Village, Madeleine Villa and Marysville Care Center choose their own kings and queens, and a couple representing the Tulalip Tribes rounds out the senior royal court.

Grandview Village's king and queen, Don Taylor and May Evenson, were announced at the center's Valentine's Day event. Evenson retired from teaching in the public schools, including the Marysville School District with stints at Liberty and Sunnyside elementary schools. Taylor retired from the PUD, where he served as the superintendent of construction until 1987.

Stan and JoAnn Jones were crowned at the Tulalip Elders Luncheon, held May 7 at the Tulalip Resort Hotel. Stan Jones has been an active tribal leader since the 1960s, serving on the Board of Directors since 1966 and playing an important role in the Boldt decision on tribal fishing rights.

Merrill Gardens residents selected Gary Bloom and Margaret Barbey as their Strawberry Festival representatives. Bloom was founder of Bloom's Department Store and Barbey is a retired Marysville teacher.

During the June 11 Senior Prom, Marysville Care Center's king and queen were announced. Jim Welk, whose dad was a well-known strawberry grower who also built floats for the parade, owned Martha Lake Foods in Lynnwood before his retirement. Queen Barbara Watson grew up in north Seattle but has been a fan of the festival for years. She retired from the post office.

Representing Madeleine Villa during the festival are Mark Labdon and Florence Adler. Labdon, a former college professor, enjoys card games, exercise and facility outings. Adler is a Washington native who is well-loved by the staff and other residents.

The senior kings and queens will be featured in the festival's Grand Parade Saturday, June 20, beginning at 7:45 p.m.