Donna Bean is not your typical grandmother. From playing in creeks with her granddaughters to volunteering at a historical house, this retired teacher is not afraid to get her hands dirty.

“I will do anything with my granddaughters,” Bean said. “I’m always there to help — I’m a good friend as well as a grandma.”

Bean, 64, of Marion, was one of 10 finalists from more than 9,000 entries in the 1998 Search for Granny Smith contest.

Hy-Vee Food & Drug Stores and the Washington Apple Commission are sponsoring the Seventh Annual Search for Granny Smith, said Kurt Johnson, produce manager for Hy-Vee, 3800 W. Lincoln Way.

The contest was created in 1993 by apple growers in the state of Washington to recognize Granny Smith apples, he said. Grandmothers from the United States and Canada are eligible to compete for the title.

“I think [Search for Granny Smith] is a good contest for people who really love their grandma,” Johnson said. “It is a good way to show respect.”

To enter a grandmother in the contest, Johnson said children, grandchildren, spouses or friends can make nominations. A description of the grandmother and explanation of why she is the greatest must be submitted in 100 or fewer words, and a photo must be included.

Bean, who was nominated by her three granddaughters, then ages 9, 11 and 13, said the girls saw the application at Hy-Vee in Marion. They divided up the word requirement and each wrote one paragraph, she said.

Applications are due April 2 for the 1999 contest, Johnson said. The Washington Apple Commission will then conduct phone interviews before selecting 20 regional winners.

Bean said regional winners receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington for the Apple Blossom Festival and are eligible to compete in the Granny Finale to choose a national Granny Smith.

Joan Phillips of Plano, Texas, was selected as 1998 Granny Smith.

Applications are available at all Hy-Vee stores, located in Ames at 3800 W. Lincoln Way and 640 Lincoln Way.