Float #19 with its carousel and miniature ferris wheel slowly proceeded through the wet streets of downtown Tacoma on April 6, 1963. Entitled "Moments of Make Believe," it was the Fife Boosters Club's entry in the 30th annual Daffodil Parade. The three princesses, Jane Durr on throne, Diane Reck and Janie Yamada standing, bore umbrellas and wore sheer raincoats to protect them against the rain. The eight children on the carnival rides also appeared equipped with rain gear. Depicting great moments in the lives of children, the Fife community's entry won first prize in Division 3, incorporated communities over 1500 population. (TNT 4-7-63, B-8)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1963 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Merry-go-rounds--Tacoma; Ferris wheels--Tacoma;

1967 Daffodil Parade. Though the sun may have been lacking and the wind cold, people still poured out to fill the sidewalks and nearby office buildings for a view of the 1967 Puyallup Valley Daffodil parade as it meandered through the streets of downtown Tacoma. Among the many floats on April 8, 1967, was the Lakewood Unlimited entry entitled "Flight of Fancy." Swooping on butterfly wings were the four princesses of the Lakewood Summer Festival, Sally Fiss and Chris Hickson of Clover Park High School and Patsy Thompson and Ann Harris of Lakes High. The Lakewood float was one of 31 floats that had entered the parade. It was the first prize winner among unincorporated communities. (TNT 4-8-67, A-1, TNT 4-9-67, B-3)

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

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;

A giant bird of peace is at the foreground of the Tacoma Vocational Technical Institute's entry in the 1964 Daffodil parade. "Peace Among Nations" is the float's motto. Three lovely ladies wave to the throngs watching the parade while two soldiers provide an escort. This was the 31st Daffodil parade. 33 floats using more than two million daffodils, 24 bands including two from Oregon, 17 marching units, and seven mounted units were televised live on KTNT-TV and viewed in person by thousands in Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner and Orting. (TNT 4-10-64, p. 1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1964 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Stock footage of the 1965 Daffodil Parade. The City of Wenatchee's entry into the 32nd Daffodil Parade was entitled "Apple Blossom Spectacular" and featured Apple Blossom Queen Barbara Erickson in velvet robes and her attendants, Kathleen Stockstill and Amy Radewan. On the flower bedecked float, glistening "apples" grew on curving "branches."

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1965 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Erickson, Barbara; Stockstill, Kathleen; Radewan, Amy;

Stock footage Daffodil Parade. The annual Daffodil Parade always drew entrants from out of the area and 1965 was no exception. The White Pass School Band traveled a fair distance to march in the 32nd annual parade. Accompanied by students carrying the school banner, majorette and drum major, the band marched proudly down Pacific Ave. on April 10, 1965. They were dressed in military styled dress uniforms with hats. White Pass was one of 20 bands participating in the parade; they joined the 29 floats, 14 drill teams, five drum & bugle corps and seven mounted units under breezy, mid-50 degree weather conditions. View of band; Bank of California and Washington Building in background. TPL-500 (TNT 4-9-65, A-1, TNT 4-10-65, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1965 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Marching bands; Signs (Notices); Drum majors; Drum majorettes; Washington Building (Tacoma); Bank of California National Association (Tacoma); Band uniforms;

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);

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;

1972 Daffodil Parade. This entry from St. Regis Paper Co. with its enormous daffodils won the Mayor's Trophy for best use of the flower in the Grand Floral Parade. There were a total of 75,000 golden daffodils on the float. Attendants on the float were possibly employees or employee family members of St. Regis. (TNT 4-9-72, A-4, B-3)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1972 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1972 Daffodil Parade. Garnering second place in the "Other Festivals" division was this entry from the Portland Rose Festival accompanied by the Royal Rosarians. A small old-fashioned plane, apparently made of golden daffodils, rests above blue skies and fluffy clouds. Her female "pilot" waves to the waiting crowd.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1972 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1973 Daffodil Grand Parade. The lack of sunshine did not deter both participants and spectators for the 40th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Grand Parade held on April 14, 1973. There were 27 floats, 10 mounted units, 33 bands and 25 drill teams to delight the waiting crowds. Entry #20 in the parade was "Universal Freedom" from Bates Vocational Technical Institute. A giant eagle hovers protectively over the three smiling riders aboard the King Alfred & Mt. Hood daffodil-decorated float. It would go on to win the Princess Trophy, awarded to the best float under 30 feet. (TNT 4-15-73, A-14-awards; TNT 4-15-73, B-7)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1973 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1974 Daffodil Parade. Passing by Pearl & Eddie's Restaurant at 8th & Pacific was the entry from the Pacific National Exhibition which had traveled from Vancouver, B.C. Entitled "Love-A-Fair," the Canadian float was colorfully decorated in red, white and yellow blossoms and several tall whirligigs. A cheerful clown and small animal-filled carousel along with two smiling African American young ladies completed the float. The float won the Festival trophy for best from another festival.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1974 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1975 Daffodil Festival Parade. Two teams of horses pull a replica of an old fashioned Conestoga wagon down Pacific Avenue on April 12, 1975, during the 42nd annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade. A similar wagon, if not this particular one, would be Washington State's entry in the Bicentennial Wagon Train Pilgrimage to Pennsylvania in 1976. It was a fitting reminder of the parade's theme - "Remember When."

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1975 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Wagon trains--Tacoma; Horses--Tacoma;

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. Chugging down Pacific Avenue on April 3, 1971, was the Gig Harbor entry to the 1971 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Parade. The vessel, festooned with bright yellow daffodils, had several young women dressed in wet weather gear waving to the large crowd. The artful use of daffodils won Gig Harbor the "Mayor's" trophy for best use of the flower. The theme of the 1971 parade was "Nature - Our Greatest Heritage." (TNT 4-3-71, p. 1 - article)

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

1976 Daffodil Festival Parade. Waving to the throngs lining several feet deep on Pacific Avenue were the royalty aboard the Capital Lakefair float from Olympia. The elegant float was decorated in golden daffodils and white blossoms with a sculptured canopy adorned with silver and black glittering stars. It was awarded second place in the "other festivals" category.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1976 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1976 Daffodil Festival Parade. Bright sunshine and 56 degree temperatures brought crowds estimated in Tacoma alone at 50,000 to watch the 1976 Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade. For the second year in a row, the Orting-Fife-Milton communities won the FTD Sweepstakes for the best float overall. Their Bicentennial float, "East Meets West," was the longest float ever to enter the parade. It took five drivers to maneuver the 120-foot coupled float. The float depicted the driving of the Golden Spike to link east and west coasts by rail. (TNT 4-10-76, A-3 article; TNT 3-12-76, A-3 article; TNT 4-11-76, AA2-article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1976 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1976 Daffodil Festival Parade. The Harbor Holidays 35-foot float, "Lindbergh Flight to Paris," won the top prize in the "communities under 5000" category for the 1976 Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade. The Gig Harbor Peninsula community's float commemorated the first solo non-stop TransAtlantic flight from New York to Paris in May of 1927. There were 40,000 yellow, golden and sprayed blue daffodils used in the creation of the float. (TNT 4-10-76, A-3-article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1976 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1977 Daffodil Festival Parade. "Reflections of Downtown Tacoma" was the award-winning entry from the Downtown Tacoma Association. Six new buildings and a fountain full of daffodils made note of downtown's growth. An unidentified 4-piece band and Ms. Downtown Tacoma accompanied the float. It won the Commissioners' Trophy for best commercial float. (TNT 4-16-77, A-3 article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1977 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1977 Daffodil Festival Parade. Nearing the end of the two hour parade came the float sponsored by the Concerned Christian Laymen, Inc., "Man Shall Not Live By Bread Alone." A golden cross of daffodils in a field of blue was in the foreground of the float. Nationally known singer, Henry Rodstrom, was aboard. (TNT 4-16-77, A-3-article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1977 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1977 Daffodil Festival Parade. Governor Dixy Lee Ray served as Grand Marshall of the 1977 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Parade. Governor Ray, in brown jacket, is seated up high in a 1930 dual windshield Packard. Riding with her were Mr. and Mrs. Tom Galbraith, Dr. Harlan P. McNutt -director of DSHS, and one of Governor Ray's poodles. Tacoma was Governor Ray's hometown; she graduated from Stadium High School and had fond memories of past Daffodil festivals. (TNT 4-17-77, D-1, D-5 articles)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1977 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Ray, Dixy Lee, 1914-1994; Governors; Packard automobile;

1978 Daffodil Festival Parade. "Scouting is a Free Spirit" won the Princess Trophy for best float under 30-feet for the Mt. Rainier Council Boy Scouts of America. 60,000 white and yellow daffodils decorated the float. Six phases of scouting were represented aboard the float including Cub Scouts, Sea Scouts, Explorers and the handicapped. The drummer is with the "order of the arrow." Native American dancers were in step with the float.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1978 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1978 Daffodil Parade. Accompanied by marching Daffodilians, Daffodil Queen Janice Ash of Wilson High School and two of her royal court wave to the crowds gathered along Pacific Avenue during the 45th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Grand Floral parade on April 8, 1978. They were aboard the 48-foot long by 14-foot wide Tacoma City Light float adorned with 60,000 golden daffodils. The Queen's float carried a spectacular 13-foot high exotic butterfly and Monarch butterflies that bobbed and swayed with the breeze. Graydon Bailey was the builder of the float which exemplified the festival's theme, "Free Spirit." (TNT 4-9-78, A-1 article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1978 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980; Ash, Janice; Beauty contestants--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1978 Daffodil Festival Parade. Weaving down Pacific Avenue to the delight of the many spectators was the Union Pacific Railroad's Diesel No. X-956 and miniature train. Built in the Omaha shops to a 3/8 scale in 1955, the gasoline powered train has since been a busy traveler with some 50 engagements per year. The train weighs less than 5 1/2 tons and is 84-feet long, 5'2" in height and 4-feet wide. Its turning radius is 32 feet. Pictured above during the 1978 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade is the yellow locomotive, boxcar, orange PFE car, black tank car and red gondola. The yellow caboose is not in sight. (Parade notes--Richards Studio)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1978 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Miniature railroads--Tacoma;

1972 Daffodil Parade. Winner of the Grand Award in the 1972 Grand Floral Parade was the entry from the Sumner Community which depicted a 15-foot high figure of Betsy Ross sewing stars on a giant flag. The 30-foot long float held some 40,000 daffodils. Sumner is located in the heart of the Puyallup Valley and the float would continue its parade march down Sumner's Main Street. (TNT 4-9-72, B-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1972 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

1972 Daffodil Parade. Tacoma's weather had a bit of everything for the 39th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade. Brilliant sunshine, rain squalls, gusty winds, and hail/snow greeted the thousands assembled on Saturday, April 8th. Sheer raincoats covered the beautiful gowns of the festival's princesses riding on the Puyallup Community's Princess float pictured above; even the Daffodilians marching along wore clear rain jackets over their bright yellow coats. (TNT 4-9-72, A-1 -article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1972 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1970-1980;

Billye Fairchild strikes a pose in her Jantzen swimsuit in a field of Spring daffodils in March of 1934. She smiles gamely, despite what is undoubtedly chilly Northwest Spring weather. She is providing a little "cheesecake" for the first annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival, to be held March 17-18, 1934. Miss Fairchild lists her occupation in the 1934 City Directory as waitress and her address as 1120 So. 14th Street. Miss Fairchild was also chosen as Tacoma's royal attendant for the 1934 festival.

The organizers of the first Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival in March of 1934 were not above using a little "cheesecake" to advertise their fledgling flower festival. Three bathing beauties, left to right, Frankie Cowan, Betty Brumbaugh and Billye Fairchild, pose in a field of bright yellow daffodils as a promotion for the first annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival, March 17-18, 1934. The flower festival, loosely patterned on the Dutch flower festivals held around Easter, started with a small group of organizers and a budget of $600 and grew to one of America's oldest flower extravaganzas. TPL-9418

On this float in the 1936 Daffodil Parade, the flower vase has tipped over, sending the daffodils and the smiling girls they hold to the ground. Peeking around the edge of her flower is Mary Frances Cavanaugh, left, and in the other blossom is Weda Claire Dykeman. Mary Frances is the daughter of Cecil Cavanaugh, of Cavanaugh Lumber Co., and Weda Claire is the daughter of Doug Dykeman. (T. Times 4/20/1936, pg. 3)