The Bainbridge Island Senior Community Center were presented with the first annual Buxton Ellis Humor Award on Friday for their umbrella routine at the Grand Old Fourth Parade.

The award came as a check for $1,000 to the most humorous parade performance.

“We’ve been announcing the parade for many years,” John Ellis said. “We thought we got to do something to get people to up their game.”

Frank Buxton and John Ellis are involved at the EDGE Improv and are also longtime announcers at the island’s Grand Old Fourth parade. So their first thought to encourage parade participants to get creative was to offer an award for the funniest idea.

The seniors performed a choreographed marching routine down Winslow Way with umbrellas as props.

Their chant went like this:

“I don’t know but I’ve been told — it’s not easy getting old

Here’s what we want you to know — we’re 50-plus and on-the-go!

SOUND OFF! One, two. SOUND OFF! Three, four. SOUND OFF! One, two … three, four!

This is true, its not far-flung — BISCC keeps us forever young.

This we don’t proclaim in jest — our senior center is the best!”

The center had about 40 members perform at the Grand Old Fourth.

During their performance, however, the group decided that timing truly isn’t everything in comedy. Some were on beat, some were completely off.

“We couldn’t look too good,” said Susan Barrington, the manager of the senior group.

“We all enjoy a well-earned sense of humor at the center,” she added.

The Buxton Ellis Humor Award will give the seniors extra funds for their nonprofit and enhanced support for the center’s programs and services.