1967 Daffodil Parade. The U.S. Navy Seabees celebrated their 25th anniversary with a magnificent float of golden daffodils entitled "Thailand Fantasy." In addition to the thousands of daffodils making up the body of the float, it was decorated with ornate golden symbols of the Far East. The 60-foot moving scroll on the 55-foot float depicts the aid being given by the Seabees to the people of Thailand. Winner of the President's Trophy, the Seabees float had previously won the Grand Marshal's Award in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. Float #3 was sponsored by the Associated General Contractors. (TNT 4-8-67, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1967: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma;

1967 Daffodil Parade. The Orting community was represented in the 1967 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival with a splendid portrayal of Aladdin's Lamp. Float #9 passed through the thronged streets of downtown Tacoma while Aladdin, Mike Rudnick, posed stoically on his flying carpet and a harem of lovely ladies waved to the crowds. The 45-foot long float with 75,000 daffodils won the Queen's Award in the Commercial Division. Backs to the pageantry, clowns on both sides of Pacific Avenue did a brisk business selling bags of popcorn to hungry spectators. (TNT 4-8-67, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1967: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma; Rudnick, Mike; Clowns;

1967 Daffodil Parade. Snow White and friends accompanied the Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute Daffodil float on the streets of downtown Tacoma in April, 1967. Flower-bedecked float #4 is pictured passing by large crowds at 11th & Pacific while two clowns with a cart full of popcorn cross behind. "Fun 'n Fantasy" was the theme of the 34th Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival where 31 floats, 28 bands, 21 drill teams and eight mounted units paraded before 55,000 Tacoma spectators. (TNT 4-8-67, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1967: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Clowns;

1967 Daffodil Parade. The "stream" of "hot coffee" does not seem to soil the white ballroom gown of Susan Bona, the 1966 Daffodil Queen, as she stands in the daffodil coffee cup waving to the large crowds lining Pacific Avenue during the 1967 Daffodil parade. The Coffee House Roasters float #21, cleverly named the "Queen's Coffee Break," was also accompanied by three elves. Miss Bona is currently a freshman at the University of Puget Sound. Photograph ordered by Coffee House Roasters.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1967: Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Bona, Susan;

1968 Daffodil parade. Throngs of spectators are bundled up against a cold, brisk wind as they watch the 35th annual Daffodil Festival parade roll down Pacific Avenue on April 6, 1968. Float #13, decorated in golden daffodils, is the St. Regis Paper Co. entry, "King Midas' Golden Touch," which won the Mayor's trophy for best use of the parade's namesake flower. St. Regis was a perennial award-winning entrant in the parade. The 1968 parade was dedicated to the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who had been assassinated two days before. Color photograph ordered by St. Regis Paper Co. (TNT 4-6-68, A-1, TNT 4-7-68, B-4)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; St. Regis Paper Co. (Tacoma)--1960-1970;

1968 Daffodil parade. Yabba dabba do! The Flintstones, #22, won the Daffodilian trophy for most humorous entry in the 35th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival held on April 6, 1968. Fred is perched atop a hardworking dinosaur at the quarry while baby Pebbles and her mom, Wilma, scoot along in steamroller car, pedaled by foot-power. Baby Bam-Bam visits outside the Flintstones home. The colorful float, one of 26 in the parade, was entered by the Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute. The festival's theme was "Tales & Legends." Color photograph ordered by the Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute. (TNT 4-6-68, A-1, TNT 4-7-68, B-3)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Vocational School (Tacoma);

1968 Richards stock footage of Daffodil Festival. Puget Power's entry, #15, in the 35th annual Daffodil Festival meanders down Pacific Avenue nearing the Peoples department store on April 6, 1968. The charming Asian setting with "Madam Butterfly" seated in the rear won Puget Power second place in the commercial group. Theme of the parade was "Tales & Legends." (TNT 4-7-68, B-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma;

1968 Richards stock footage of Daffodil Festival. It appears that these leprechauns are basking in a sea of gold in this entry from the Orting Community. One lucky lady has followed the rainbow to a stash of golden coins. An enormous shamrock serves as a backdrop to the float; it is possible that it was composed of dyed green daffodils. Orting's "Leprechauns" was entry #9 in the 35th annual Daffodil Festival parade. (TNT 4-7-68, B-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma;

1968 Stock footage of Daffodil Festival parade. Over 20,000 golden daffodils befitting the aptly named "Golden Tales of Beauty" decorated the 1968 Princess float created by the City of Puyallup's Puyallup Junior Woman's Club. Princesses Inese Verzemnieks, Mardel Johnson, Judy Ehlers and Jennifer Anderson gracefully acknowledged the crowds lined up along Pacific Avenue on April 6, 1968. They were escorted by yellow-jacketed parade officials. (TNT 4-6-68, p. 1-2)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma; Verzemnieks, Inese; Johnson, Mardel; Ehlers, Judy; Anderson, Jennifer;

1968 Richards stock footage of Daffodil Festival parade. The Afifi Temple Shrine's entry "Shriners Pot of Gold" won first place in the fraternal group competition at the 35th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade on April 6, 1968. Roller-skating youngsters under the flowered rainbow demonstrate that wheelchairs and crutches can be thrown away once their dreams come true. (TNT 4-7-68, B-1, B-5)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma);

1968 Richards stock footage of 35th annual Daffodil Festival parade. It looks like the parade is over as the massive crowds disperse on April 6, 1968. The cold, brisk weather may not have caught many unaware as most of the crowd seems to be dressed in winter clothing and hats. The scene pictured above is the downtown business district near 11th & Pacific Avenue. Major Tacoma landmarks such as the Security Bldg. (formerly Provident Bldg.), Bank of California with its ionic columns, and the massive Washington Bldg. on the corner are clearly visible.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Crowds--Tacoma; Commercial streets--Tacoma--1960-1970; Security Building (Tacoma); Washington Building (Tacoma); Bank of California National Association (Tacoma);

1968 Richards stock footage of Daffodil Festival. A rather meek dragon sticks out his tongue, seemingly unaware of the lovely four maidens at the castle gates behind him. Float #3 from the Pierce County Senior 4-H was entitled "Days of Old," reflecting the 1968 Daffodil Festival theme of "Tales & Legends." It was one of 26 floats entered in the 35th annual parade, and won the coveted Grand Award. (TNT 4-6-68, p. 1, 4-7-68, B-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1968 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma;

Clover Park School District marching band and girls' marching unit in Daffodil Parade. Resplendent in vibrant shades of deep green and white were the emissaries of Clover Park School District. The girls' marching units led the way for the more somberly-clad members of the high school's marching band. Despite threats of rain, the weather held off, at least in Tacoma, and local residents were able to bask in shirt-sleeve sunny conditions on April 12, 1969, at the 36th annual Daffodil Festival Parade. For the first time in the parade's long history, the Tacoma parade route started from Stadium High School's North "E" location, headed south on Stadium Way and rambled on down on Pacific Ave. to 21st St. This route change removed two right angle turns that floats had to navigate on the old Broadway/Pacific route and also permitted television cameras to capture scenic Commencement Bay footage to accent the outstanding floats. (TNT 4-13-69, B-2)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1969 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Marching bands;

Wilson High School cheerleaders stir up the parade spectators lined up on Pacific Ave. with energetic cheers on April 12, 1969, during the 36th annual Daffodil Festival Parade. The school's girls marching unit, in red and white, step forward in formation ahead of the large marching band and drum major/majorettes. Mother Nature cooperated with warm dry weather in the 60's during the Tacoma leg of the parade.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1969 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Marching bands; Drum majorettes--Tacoma; Drum majoring--Tacoma;

The entry from Tacoma Vocational-Technical Institute took the Judge's Award in the 36th annual Daffodil Festival Parade on April 12, 1969. The sternwheeler, dubbed the "Centennial Queen," was covered with golden and yellow daffodils and manned by several men and women dressed in clothing styles of a century gone by.The parade's theme was "Down Memory Lane." (TNT 4-13-69, B-4)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1969 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma;

Grand Award winner. The St. Regis Paper Co. won the 36th annual Daffodil Festival Parade's Grand Award with its two-piece float, "Memoirs of Henry Foss," an homage to the 77-year-old native Tacoman who helped build Foss Launch and Tug into one of the largest firms of its kind on the Pacific Coast. The creation of the float came as a complete surprise to Mr. Foss who found out about the honor the morning of the parade when his son Drew escorted him to view the float. The float was divided into two sections; the first was a 20-foot replica of the tug, "Henry Foss," and was adorned with 40,000 flowers. The second piece, totaling 65 feet, displayed a boathouse, similar to the one on which Mr. Foss was born in, and rowboats, the firm's first boating rentals. 110,000 blossoms decorated the larger section. Karen Herman (Dowsett) served as "captain" of the Foss tugboat. According to Mrs. Herman, she agreed to wear the "pants" outfit in lieu of the more popular dresses in order to prevent further arguments among the float models. It proved to be a lucky decision as she got her own float and even more special, had the honor of receiving Henry Foss' own navy blue watch cap. She received a hug from Mr. Foss and was told to enjoy the day in the beautiful tugboat. Later in 1969 Mrs. Herman wrote to Mr. Foss and requested his autograph on her picture taken that day. She was thrilled to get a note from Mr. Foss in response to her request, the autographed photograph, and a compliment on her competent piloting through the streets of Tacoma. (Additional information received from Karen Herman (Dowsett) (TNT 4-12-69, p. 1, TNT 4-13-69, B-2, B-3)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1969 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma; Herman, Karen Dowsett; Dowsett, Karen;

1970 Daffodil Festival Parade. The brightness of the Yakima Sunfair Time float was visible blocks away due to its golden sunflowers and big orange globe. Had the parade occurred on a dreary day, the float's vibrant colors would have chased any errant rainclouds. Even under blue skies, the orange and yellows were a striking contrast to the gray roadway. The Yakima Sunfair float topped the "other festivals" list. Aboard the float were Miss Yakima Jenece McClain and princesses Luanne Herzig and Linda Edeler. (TNT 4-12-70, B-2, B-3)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; McClain, Jenece; Herzig, Luanne; Edeler, Linda;

1970 Daffodil Festival Parade. Waving to the crowd are the 1970 Daffodil Queen, Shelley Grobey of Mount Tahoma High school, and four royal princesses: Sue Briehl of Bethel, Diane Schlumpf of Orting, Correen Orton of Sumner and Kay Riippi of Lincoln High School. They are seated on the Tacoma City Light entry, "Circus Centennial," in keeping with the festival's theme of "Greatest Show on Earth." Queen Shelley is seated just before the mouth of a giantic daffodil tiger. The 42-foot float adorned with 45,000 white and yellow daffodils, was created by Graydon Bailey, a City Light lineman. This float ran very quietly as it was an all-electric, battery-powered float. The 75-piece Mount Tahoma marching band and 55-member drill team, following the Queen's float, had the honor of the first high school entry in the parade. (TNT 4-12-70, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Grobey, Shelley; Briehl, Sue; Schlumpf, Diane; Orton, Correen; Riippi, Kay; Marching bands; Drill teams;

1970 Daffodil Parade. Led by drum major Chuck Whitman, the black-and-gold clad 100-member marching band from Puyallup High School takes a bow before the rows of spectators lining the streets of downtown Tacoma for the 37th annual Daffodil Festival Parade. Each side of Pacific Avenue gets its own section of musicians bowing. Following the band are the Vikettes drill team in purple and gold. The April 11, 1970, parade attracted crowds of over 100,000 during its three city tour; the Puyallup High School band was one of 23 bands participating and the Vikettes, one of 18 drill teams. Beautiful sunny weather for the second year in a row helped to make the parade one of the most heavily attended in parade history. (TNT 4-11-79 - article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Marching bands; Drill teams;

1970 Daffodil Festival Parade. Hoping to excite the throngs gathered to view the 1970 Daffodil Parade as it passes by the bus depot on Pacific Avenue, some members of the 40-piece Woodrow Wilson High School drill team raise their arms in a cheer and salute. Led by captain Sharon Tinsman, the colorfully dressed girls are preceding the school's 82-piece band. No rain clouds threatened the enjoyment of the parade that year as brilliant sunshine was present throughout the parade's three city tour.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Marching bands; Drill teams;

1970 Daffodil Parade. "The Greatest Showman on Earth" was the Sumner Community's entry in the 1970 Daffodil Festival Parade. The happy faced giant clown, accompanied by balloons trailing in the breeze and peanuts spilling from a red-and-white striped bag, was awarded the top Sweepstakes Award. The 40-foot long float utilized 80,000 daffodils. It was designed by Sumner postman James Woolery. (TNT 4-11-70, p.1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Clowns;

1970 Daffodil Festival Parade. The Fife-Milton entry in the April, 1970, Daffodil Parade won first place in the incorporated communities over 2500 population category. "Nature's Greatest Show - Aurora Borealis" carried the "Queen of Light," Karen Heckert and her two attendants, Kathy Burgi and Margaret Kinoshita. The startling blue-tinted blossoms provided an attractive setting for the three members of royalty standing among the revolving "Northern lights" in their shiny costumes as well as the tranquil "sea" from which a penguin and a polar bear of daffodils eyeballed each other. (TNT 4-11-70 - article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Heckert, Karen; Burgi, Kathy; Kinoshita, Margaret;

1970 Daffodil Festival Parade. The theme for the 37th annual Daffodil Festival Parade was "The Greatest Show on Earth." With its troupe of accompanying clowns, the Bethel Boosters prize-winning 34-foot long float, "Trapeze," certainly was emblematic of the day. 30,000 yellow and purple daffodils provided a fitting background for Bethel High School senior Sue Swenson and her attendants, Helen Adams, Debbi Daffer, Janet Ingle and Linda Seanard, who merrily swung on trapezes. The float, one of 31 entered in the parade, was awarded the Queen's Award for best portrayal of the festival's theme. (TNT 4-11-70- article; TNT 4-12-70, B-3)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Swenson, Sue; Adams, Helen; Daffer, Debbi; Ingle, Janet; Seanard, Linda; Clowns;

1970 Daffodil Parade. Closer view of the float entered by the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival as it proceeds down Pacific Avenue during the April 11, 1970, Daffodil Festival Parade. The lovely float is decorated with sprays of pink and gold blooms. Pink Grecian columns in front have flowers cascading; other pillars curve gently around the seated princesses. Acknowledging the throngs gathered along Pacific Avenue were Queen Kim Horan and princesses Jane Drake and Gail Burgener. This entry was one of 31 floats participating in the parade. (TNT 4-12-70, B-2, B-6)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Horan, Kim; Drake, Jane; Burgener, Gail;

1970 Daffodil Festival Paradel. For the second straight year, brilliant blue skies greeted the spectators of the annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade. Coming a fair distance from the city of Wenatchee was the entry from the Washington State Apple Blossom Festival. Pink Grecian pillars topped with sprays of yellow daffodils and pink blossoms provided an attractive setting for the festival princesses. The Wenatchee entry would win the "Other Festival Award." The float was followed by the 45-piece Eatonville High School band accompanied by the 22-member drill team and 10 majorettes. In the background is the old Public Safety Building.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Public Safety Building (Tacoma); Marching bands;

1970 Daffodil Festival Parade. Winner of the Grand Award for the second consecutive year, the St. Regis Paper Co.'s 1970 entry, "Nature's 3-Ring Circus," measured 65-feet in length and supported three large rings on three different levels. More than 130,000 daffodils were used to create the wonders of nature. Portraying vacationers and nature lovers were six St. Regis employees: Janet McAlister, Debra Weinhart, Kay Koth, LaRue Rasmussen, Marina Nason and Kathy Turbyfill. (TNT 4-11-70, p. 1 - article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1970 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; St. Regis Paper Co. (Tacoma)--1970-1980;

Shortly after the 1971 Junior Daffodil Parade was completed on March 26th, twelve Daffodil princesses posed with an Arabian horse and costumed rider in the vicinity of the Tacoma Totem Pole, 9th & A St. The high school seniors are all wearing rain jackets to combat the chilly and windy weather conditions. Jean Fink of Lakes High School, sixth from left and touching the Arabian, would be chosen Queen of the 1971 Daffodil Festival three days later. Photograph ordered by Daffodil Arabian Horse Show.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fink, Jean; Horses--Tacoma;

1971 Daffodil Parade. Rather than racing, these two charioteers move in step down the Tacoma parade route of the 1971 Daffodil Festival Parade. Both chariots are adorned with bright yellow daffodils and are being pulled by teams of brown and grayish horses.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Chariots--Tacoma; 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;

1971 Daffodil Parade. This was the Tacoma Fire Department's entry to the 1971 Daffodil Festival Parade. Its appearance generally signified the end of the parade as evidenced by the movement of the crowd. According to information received from a reader, this was a 1970 American LaFrance which was housed at the now-closed old Fire Station #12, a station still located on the south side of East 11th between Thorne Rd. and the Port of Tacoma Rd. It was Tacoma Truck Co. #4, a ladder truck which did not carry water or hoses. (Additional information/identification from a reader)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Fire engines & equipment--Tacoma--1970-1980; Tacoma Fire Department (Tacoma);