This floral tribute to Holland and the windmill won the Sweepstakes Award in the 1950 Daffodil parade for the Associated General Contractors. The contracting group were newcomers to the parade, winning the award with their first ever entry. The group's officers line up behind their float and the Dutch costumed young ladies on the float smile despite the morning chill.
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Associated General Contractors, Tacoma Chapter (Tacoma);
This "bee-powered" daffodil carriage adorned with smiling court members in front of 1748 Jefferson Ave, was the second place winner in the class 4 commercial group of the 1950 Daffodil parade. The entry was sponsored by Busch's Drive In restaurant at 3505 South Tacoma Way. More than 800,000 daffodils plus assorted other spring flowers were used in the parade. Spectators arrived as early as 8a.m. to line the parade route and were advised to use mass transportation and car pools to avoid traffic jams. TPL-9544
Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1950 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Buschs Drive In (Tacoma);
Members of an all-African American unit from the United States Army turn the corner onto Pacific as they march down South 9th Street as part of the first Armed Forces Day Parade held on May 20, 1950. Over 2,500 infantrymen of the 9th regimental combat team of the Second division and other units from Fort Lewis took part in the huge display of military might. The troops from Fort Lewis were joined by representatives of the Navy, Marines and Air Force as well as non-military groups from local schools, fraternal and civic organizations. It was estimated that over 6,000 persons participated in the parade. Although President Harry Truman had signed Executive Order 9981 on July 26, 1948 calling for the desegregation of the United States' armed forces, the army did not formally announce its plans to implement the order until July of 1951. (TNT, 5/19/1950, p.1)
Military parades & ceremonies--Tacoma--1950-1960; Soldiers--Tacoma--1950-1960; Marching--Tacoma--1950-1960; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1950-1960;
Lakewood Center's float in the 1954 Daffodil Parade continued the theme of promoting Washington as a vacation paradise. Skiing, skating, boating & fishing, swimming and golfing were healthy outdoor activities available to locals and visitors alike. Participants in boating, fishing and golfing stood under a flowered carousel with the sign "It's vacation time all the time in vacationland." A newer award, the Festival award honoring the float best portraying the festival's theme, was given to the Lakewood Center Businessmen's Association for this float. (TNT 4-11-54, p. 1)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Lakewood Community Center (Lakewood);
The men of Sigma Chi Fraternity from the College of Puget Sound took second place in the "Comic" category of the 1954 Daffodil Parade. A cardboard "Toss Fug" is pulling a trailer piled with "radioactive" soil, a fish skeleton, and signs warning "atomic pile", "world renouned Tacoma aroma", and in keeping with the vacation theme, "Vacation Tacoma - where debris meets the sea." Viewers are invited to "Watch Tacoma Grow". (TNT 4-11-54, p. 1)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Sigma Chi (Tacoma); Fraternities & sororities--Tacoma--1950-1960;
The Pierce County Sheriff's Posse on horseback is reaching the end of the Tacoma portion of the 1954 Daffodil Parade. The two mile route would head south on Pacific Avenue and conclude at 19th St. before reforming for the Valley swing in the afternoon. The 21st annual parade enjoyed its largest crowd ever, with estimates of 100,000 spectators. Two million daffodils were used on floats, carts, buggys, horses and people in the parade. (TNT 4-9-54, p. 1, TNT 4-10-54, p. 1)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Horses--Tacoma;
An unidentified Tacoma police officer and several scouts stand at attention and salute as the Daffodil Parade passes South 12th and Pacific on April 10, 1954. They are probably saluting the Color Guard near the head of the parade. The 21st Daffodil Parade was the biggest in the history of the event with 52 floats and a crowd estimated at 100,000. The two-hour extravaganza was carried live over both KTNT-TV and KMO-TV. TPL-9623
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Saluting--Tacoma--1950-1960; Boy Scouts (Tacoma)--1950-1960; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);
Golden sunbeams burst onto Puget Sound in April of 1954 as the annual Marine Parade concluded Daffodil Festival activities. Crowds crowded Tacoma's shoreline to see the colorful marine floats. This particular entry had a distinctly tropical theme, with palm trees, flowers and even a hula dancer cutout on display. There were many passengers on board enjoying the brisk air and beautiful scenery. Besides the parade of more than 200 boats, there was also a sailboat race; only two of the 16 boats entered in the race finished the 11 mile course. Tom Sias' Lady Luck was the winner with Bill Brasier's Aurora second. Photograph ordered by the TNT. (TNT 4-12-54, p. 1, 16-articles)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Naval parades & ceremonies--Tacoma; Boats--Tacoma; Marine Parade;
The 1954 Puget Sound Daffodil Regatta awarded the grand prize for visiting boats to Chester Gibson, owner of the Hilma III, an entry from the Queen City Yacht Club of Seattle. It depicted Neptune, the Roman god of the sea, and his chariot of sea horses. The boat was smothered in daffodils with an attached sign reading "U.S. Coat Guard Auxiliary." A sailboat race, colorful exhibition by the City fireboat, and the parade of floats concluded the Daffodil Festival which was enjoyed by thousands viewing the proceedings from nearby surroundings. Photograph ordered by the TNT. (TNT 4-12-54, p. 1)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1954: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Naval parades & ceremonies--Tacoma; Boats--Tacoma; Marine Parade;
Aerial view of 1952 Daffodil Parade as it proceeds down Pacific Avenue. The 15 mile long parade wound its way down Pacific Ave. from 9th to 19th. A Marine Corps color guard led the parade, followed by the float bearing Queen Eva Beattie and her princesses, royally escorted by the Rosarians of Portland, Oregon. Following the City Light float bearing the Queen were 70 floats and decorated cars, 21 bands, 28 marching units and three mounted groups. (TNT 4-6-1952, pg. 1)
Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Parades & Processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1952 : Tacoma); Drill teams; Marching bands; Floats (parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Aerial photographs;
An American flag is draped over the hood of the Young Republicans entry in the 1953 Daffodil parade. The vehicle is covered with blossoms, including flowers entwined in the tires, and is packed full of cheerful riders. A grinning cartoon elephant, resembling Dumbo, on the identification sign greets parade onlookers.
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1953 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Celebrations--Tacoma; Festivals--Tacoma; Pierce County Young Republicans (Tacoma); Flags;
Stock footage of the 1964 Daffodil Parade. Peering from all nooks and crannies are spectators, young and old, who are watching the 31st annual Daffodil Parade. The object of their fascination is the non-competitive Queen's float bearing Puyallup High School senior Karen Goettling and four of her princesses: Janet Wendorf, Sandra Sutherland, Carol Samuelson and Shari Berntsen. The 46' float "Americana" was designed by Bill Knabel and decorated by 85 City Light employees and their families the night before the parade. Each year millions of daffodils would be used in celebration of the day. The Queen's float alone bore 44,000 yellow and 6,000 white daffodils. (TNT 4-12-64, A-1)
Stock footage of the April 11, 1964, Daffodil Parade. Parade watching is still a pleasant Tacoma pastime as these folks are gathered to view the 31st annual Daffodil Parade as it proceeds through downtown Tacoma. The American flag, positioned at the front of the above float, flaps briskly in the wind. The start of the parade saw temperatures of 42 degrees and blustery, cloudy weather. By noon, the clouds had parted and April sunshine had appeared. Several women and children are dressed in clothing of their native lands, including Philippines, Japan, Switzerland, and other European countries, in compliance with the parade's theme, "Nations on Parade." A large ball, probably signifying the Earth, is constructed from flowers and readily seen on a slight ramp.
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1964 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades); Flags--United States;
With cheerful waves, St. Regis Paper Co.'s entry in the 1964 Daffodil parade slowly passes through the downtown streets of Tacoma during the 31st annual event. Billowing tapestry and flowered canopies and fountains decorated this beautiful float. St. Regis, for the second year in a row, won the Sweepstakes Award. The float, "Kismet," with 70,000 daffodils on board, was built by company employees. It featured the harems of ancient India with a large dome, chiffon curtains, and stately attendants. An elaborate peacock tail constructed of wrought iron was at the front of the 55' float. Photograph ordered by St. Regis Paper Co. (TNT 4-11-64, p. 1, TNT 4-12-64, A-9)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1964 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; St. Regis Paper Co. (Tacoma)--1960-1970;
Stock footage of Daffodil Parade. A rearing horse, "Black Beauty," draws the attention of spectators in front of the Washington Building on April 10, 1965, at the 32nd annual Daffodil Parade. Three cowgirls wave to the crowds on both sides of Pacific Ave. near 11th St. while a fourth, seated before a giant garland-covered horseshoe, also acknowledges the appreciative throngs. The theme of the parade was "Masterpieces." It was televised live on two stations, KTNT and KIRO. Thousands in person and at home viewed the 29 floats, 20 bands, 14 drill teams, five drum & bugle corps and seven mounted units. (TNT 4-9-65, A-1)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1965 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Horses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Horseshoes; Washington Building (Tacoma);
1972 Daffodil Parade. Neither rain nor wind nor sleet slowed the procession of jeeps rumbling down Pacific Avenue in the 1972 Daffodil Parade. The colorful jeeps belonged to members of the Webfooters Jeep Club. Directly behind the last of the jeeps was the Civil Defense bus.
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1972 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Jeep automobile;
1973 Daffodil Parade. New Westminister's entry in the 1973 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Grand Parade was a replica of a smoke-bottle type fire engine, drawn by three white "horses" with saddles of golden daffodils. The Canadian city would have its own annual Hyack Festival the following month. The fire engine honored the memory of New Westminster's first firemen who were from the Hyack Fire Co., founded in 1863. It was fitting that two of the riders on the float were also from foreign countries: Annie Wright School students Keiko Noguchi (Japan) and Firouzeh Ladbon (Iran). "Happiness Is An Old Fire Engine" would win second prize in the "Floats from Other Festivals" category with the entry from the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival coming in first. (TNT 4-12-73, A-2 -"Faces & Places--article;" TNT 4-15-73, A-14--notice of awards; TNT 4-15-73, D-9-notice of students)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1973 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fire engines--Canada;
1974 Daffodil Parade. The Seattle SeaFair entry spoke of "Pride" and arose patriotic feelings with its display of the American flag in appropriate flowers and a golden eagle at the float's head. Waving to the crowd aboard the float was a young lady dressed in yellow and clutching a bouquet of daffodils; she may have been "Miss SeaFair." This out-of-town entry was selected as the Judges' Award winner for "most original" and was one of the 24 floats included in the parade.
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1974 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Royal Court, 1960 Daffodil Parade. Five Daffodil princesses sit on giant hibiscus blossoms amidst 25,000 daffodils and wave to the large crowds lining up on Pacific Avenue at the Greyhound station on April 9, 1960. The large star on the Puyallup community's float commemorates the entry of Hawaii as the 50th state. "Daffodils Salute Hawaii" had been chosen as the festival theme and the festival welcomed Hawaii's Lt. Gov. James K. Keahola as the parade's grand marshal. The Fife Trojan marching band and majorettes follow the royal court which consisted of Peggy Root of Puyallup, Sharon McCoy and Margaret Dudley of Sumner, Madeline Shouse of Orting and Martha Barringer from Stadium High School. The two-hour parade in Tacoma featured 31 floats, 28 bands, 30 drill teams, eight decorated cars, six mounted units and two drum & bugle corps. (TNT 4-9-60, p. 1, 4-10-60, B-8)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1960 : Tacoma); Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970;
The Queen's float, created by the Department of Public Utilities, was traditionally the first float in the parade and the 1961 Daffodil Parade was no exception. Accompanied by parade marshals, the Daffodil Queen, 17-year-old Carmel Mackin of Puyallup High School, and her six attendants wave gracefully to the spectators lined deep on Pacific Avenue. Sixty thousand daffodils were used on the float which included a spurting fountain. Temperatures in the chilly 50's and gusty winds did not dissuade thousands of parade goers from watching the 28th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Parade. (TNT 4-8-61, p. 1, TNT 4-9-61, p. 1)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1961 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Mackin, Carmel;
Marching proudly past the Greyhound station at 1319 Pacific Avenue are a 25-piece band and separate drill team during the 1961 Daffodil Parade. These young men may have been part of a local R.O.T.C. unit. Spectators by the thousands had lined the streets of downtown Tacoma to view the annual parade. The 28th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Parade featured 31 floats, 25 bands and 37 drill teams among other entrants. The gray, overcast skies and temperatures in the 50's did not seem to hamper either parade participants or watchers. (TNT 4-8-61, p. 1)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1961 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Marching bands; Drill teams;
1971 Daffodil Parade. Marching proudly down Pacific Avenue in rows of three was a contingent from the Afifi Temple. The Shriners wore their color dress uniforms of red and green, including the familiar fez. The springtime sun was out in full force on Saturday, April 3rd, accompanied by soft blue skies. This was a contrast to the Junior Daffodil Parade the week before when brisk winds and cold temperatures chilled participants and parade watchers.
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980;
1971 Daffodil Parade. Performing intricate maneuvers during the April 3, 1971, Daffodil Festival Parade is this group of sharply dressed young women in red. In addition to the bright red jackets and skirts, they are wearing white berets and gloves. There were a total of 19 drill teams in attendance to delight the waiting throngs.
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Drill teams;
1971 Daffodil Parade. Winner of the Princess trophy for best float under 30 feet was the entry from Morton. Entitled the "Morton Loggers Jubilee," the float featured the Jubilee queen and attendants seated before large chunks of wood. The Morton Loggers Jubilee would be held on August 14-15 in 1971. The Morton float was one of 31 floats entered that year in the Daffodil Parade. (TNT 4-3-71, p. 1 - article; TNT 4-4-71, B-7)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;
1971 Daffodil Parade. "Save Meeker Mansion" was the plaintive plea on this float entered on the April 3, 1971, Daffodil Parade. The float, entitled "On the Trail," depicted a pioneer, probably Ezra Meeker, and his daffodil-covered wagon. The Meeker Mansion was attempting to avoid the wrecking ball and funds were being sought for its rehabilitation.
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;
1971 Daffodil Parade. "Mr. Northwind" and his icy breath drew rounds of applause from the crowds lined up along Pacific Avenue to view the 1971 Daffodil Parade. The float entered by the Fife-Milton community won the coveted "Sweepstakes" award. The float's "snow" was composed of some 50,000 white Mt. Hood daffodils. Perched on glossamer flakes in giant white hoop skirts were princess Karen Barnes and her attendants Lynne Brinkman and Peggy Gaschke. Volunteer help from both Fife and Milton designed and built the award-winning float, including the 13-foot high papier-mache "Mr. Northwind." (TNT 4-3-71, p.1; TNT 4-4-71, B-1)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Barnes, Karen; Brinkman, Lynne; Gaschke, Peggy;
1971 Daffodil Parade. Horses and horse-drawn wagons were always a favorite entry in the annual Daffodil Festival Parades. This team of four brown and white horses pull a wagon entitled "Century Cafe Buckly" with two white-hatted men as drivers. There were 11 mounted units in the 1971 parade.
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Horses--Tacoma;
1971 Daffodil Parade. Native Americans on horseback composed one of the 11 mounted units participating in the 1971 Daffodil Festival Parade. Led by an unidentified man in feathered headdress, the riders may have represented more than one tribe.
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Indians of North American--Clothing & dress; Horses--Tacoma;
1972 Daffodil Parade. Making an appeal for "Universal Peace" was the entry from the Fife-Milton Daffodil Association. Doves "flew" over the yellow and pink blossoms of this award-winning float. This lovely float won the Judges' Trophy for originality. (TNT 4-9-72, A-4, B-7)
Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1972 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;
Tacoma Centennial Parade. U.S. Senator Henry M. Jackson and Mrs. Jackson acknowledge the thousands lining the streets of downtown Tacoma during the June 28, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade. They were riding in an antique automobile, believed to be a Model T. Washington's congressional delegation appeared in force at the parade with Senator Warren G. Magnuson and U.S. Representative Floyd Hicks also in attendance.
Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Jackson, Henry M., 1912-1983; Legislators--Washington--1960-1970; Ford automobile;
