Float #13 in the 1958 Daffodil Parade was entitled "Alaska's Future in Oil" and was sponsored by the Pierce County Oil Information Committee. The float emphasized Alaska's vast oil resources and its desire to become our 49th state. Three children dressed in identical hoods and warm clothing, perhaps reflecting the future population of the forthcoming state, were seated on the float.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1958 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Festivals--Tacoma; Pierce County Oil Information Committee (Tacoma);

Throngs line Pacific Avenue outside Hopper-Kelly, Washington Camera Mart and Horluck's to admire the entries in the 1958 Daffodil Parade. Passing slowly by was Float #30, sponsored by the Savings & Loan Associations of Tacoma, the top Sweepstakes Award winner. "Cinderella", Kathy Gustafson, rode in an open carriage pulled by four prancing horses, preceded by the smiling Fairy Godmother, Naoma Williams. Joann Greer was the pre-ball Cinderella. At 70 feet the longest float in the parade, the Savings & Loan Associations float was covered with 60,000 daffodils. The Daffodil Festival theme that year was "Fairy Tales in Daffodils." (TNT 4-12-58, A-1, TNT 4-13-58, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1958 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Festivals--Tacoma; Savings & Loan Associations of Tacoma (Tacoma);

This float, designed for the Omaha Woodman Life Insurance Society, has a frontier theme and appears to be populated by Boy Scouts. The Scouts embrace the frontier way of life foraging for their own food by rifle, bow and arrow and fishing. Two boys wave a large American flag. A floral log cabin occupies the front half of the float. This was one of 59 floral float entries in the 1956 parade, the 23rd annual Daffodil Festival Parade.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Omaha Woodman Life Insurance Society (Tacoma);

McKinnon's Department store's contribution to the 1956 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade is dedicated to "Peter, Peter, Pumpkin eater." It is the story of a man who couldn't hang on to his wife, so he put her in a pumpkin shell where she seems quite content to remain in this picture. A bevy of beautiful girls with daffodil chain crowns ride on the front of the float. This float won third place in Division 8, retail stores, behind Sears and Rhodes.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1956 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; McKinnon's Department Store (Tacoma);

The Queen and her court on the Tacoma City Light float make the turn onto Pacific Avenue to the delight of thousands of spectators viewing the 1957 Daffodil Parade. Escorted by dapper caped men, the Portland Rosarians, Daffodil queen Janice Methven of Lincoln High School and princesses are seated on a slender barge of blossoms, with an enormous eye-catching lyre as the backdrop. The theme of the 24th annual Daffodil Festival was "Melodies in Daffodils". 60,000 King Alfred daffodils decorated the float "Pomp and Circumstance", including a fountain spraying streams of golden flowers. Photograph ordered by Tacoma City Light. (TNT 4-13-57, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Methven, Janice;

Sporting a very patriotic theme, the U.S. Army Reserve float was one of 47 entries in the 1957 Daffodil Parade. A giant eagle perches majestically aboard the float while Diane Ryan, Fife High School senior and newly elected Queen of the Army Reserve, and her four princesses wave and smile at the crowds thronging Pacific Avenue. As with all entered floats, only blossoms were used as decorations with other natural items, such as woods and foliage. 40,000 daffodils were used on the float which won first place in the Armed Services division. Photograph ordered by the U.S. Army Reserve. (TNT 4-14-57, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Patriotism; Ryan, Diane;

Crowds line the streets of downtown Tacoma to view the Lions Club entry cruise by during the 1957 Daffodil Parade. Children in sailor suits, possibly those of club members, frolic on the bright yellow tug. Even the smokestack and floating device are made of compressed daffodils. 50,000 daffodils were used for "On the Good Ship Lollipop". The Lions Club entry was awarded 3rd place among Service Clubs. Photograph ordered by the Tacoma Lions Club. (TNT 4-14-57, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1957 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Spectators--Tacoma; Lions Club (Tacoma);

The "Golden Future" is placed securely in the stars with the Independent Order of Foresters' entry, a daffodil bedecked flying saucer. This float won second place in the fraternal organization catagory of the 1955 Daffodil Parade. The driver wears a trench coat and safari hat to protect him from the rain and umbrellas have sprung up all over the crowd.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1950-1960; Independent Order of Foresters 327 (Tacoma);

In keeping with th 1955 Daffodil Parade theme of "Golden Future," The Tacoma Retail Trade Bureau's float "Dream of the Future" had an engaged couple riding on it circled by a huge diamond engagement ring and standing in front of a miniature home. The float was designed and built by Roy Stier, designer of many previous prize winning floats. The College of Puget Sound and Pacific Lutheran College submitted the names of six couples that had wedding dates set before June 30th and one lucky couple was selected to ride on the float and receive prizes from various retailers. The front of the float is adorned with a cupid and floral dragonflies.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960; Tacoma Retail Trade Bureau (Tacoma);

Members of the Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Shriners) march in formation both before and after their band in the 1955 Daffodil Parade. They are wearing the traditional Moorish costumes topped with the fez hat. The parade was unified with the theme "Golden Future." It featured 56 floats, decorated with 1,250,000 blooms, 25 bands and drill teams, 12 decorated cars, 3 drum and bugle corps, 5 mounted units and 3 comic entries. The parade started north on Broadway at 10a.m., east on 9th and then south on Pacific Ave. They reformed to march in Puyallup at 1p.m. and Sumner at 2:30p.m.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Fraternal organizations--Tacoma; Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma);

The Girl Scouts of America are well represented as they march down Pacific Ave. past the Bank of California building and the United Mutual Savings Bank in the 1955 Daffodil Parade.The girls wear the traditional uniform of skirt, shirt, kerchief and beret type hat. Bands worn diagonally across their chests are for displaying merit badges. There are lots of ankle socks and saddle shoes in the group. The leaders march along with their girls.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Girl Scouts (Tacoma);

An unidentified mounted posse, one of five in the 1955 Daffodil Parade, rides past the intersection of Pacific Ave. and 11th Street. The horses' rumps are adorned with a blanket of daffodils. The riders wear western cowboy hats and jackets with ties. Some in the crowd hold up umbrellas to shield them from the rain. The rains and cool weather did not deter over 200,000 spectators from turning out to view the tribute to the Puyallup Valley's money crop, the King Alfred daffodil.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Horseback riding--Tacoma; Horses--Tacoma;

A marching band rounds the turn from 9th onto Pacific Ave., preceding the Pacific Lutheran College float in the 1955 Daffodil Parade. The College's floral tribute to the year's theme "Golden Future'' depicts a globe issuing a rainbow and won the first place in the education and youth division. Rain and cool temperatures did not dissuade over 200,000 hardy souls from lining the streets to view the 22nd annual parade.

Parades & processions--Tacoma--1950-1960; Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1955 : Tacoma); Festivals--Tacoma; Universities & colleges--Parkland; Pacific Lutheran College (Parkland)--1950-1960; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1950-1960;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Representing the Filipino Youth Activities of Seattle, the nation's only Filipino American drill team marched in the June 28, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade. Members of the girls' Princesa Drill Team, teenage boys' Cumbancheros, and younger boys' Mandaya wore costumes patterned after the Moro or indigenous tribal dress of the Mindanao in the southern Philippines. Drill commands were issued in seven Filipino dialects besides four other languages.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Drill teams;

Tacoma celebrated its 100th anniversary with eight days of fun for the entire family in June of 1969. On June 28th a grand parade travelled down Pacific Avenue. Sitting atop the backseat of a 1960 Pontiac Bonneville convertible Chief Robert "Bob" Satiacum of the Puyallup Tribe of Indians waved to the crowds enjoying the Tacoma Centennial Parade. Chief Satiacum is wearing a headdress; the other man seated next to him is unidentified. Chief Satiacum was an Indian rights activist and an advocate of native treaty fishing rights. He would pass away in 1991 at the age of 62.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Satiacum, Robert; Indians of North America--Puyallup; Pontiac automobile;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. One of the outstanding non-float entries on display during the June, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade was the Command Module 101 accompanied by the McChord AFB Honor Guard. The Command Module was a spacecraft built for NASA and used for the Apollo program; it would house the crew and equipment necessary for re-entry.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Space vehicles;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. The theme of the June 28, 1969, parade was "Yesterday, Today and Tomorrow" with entries alluding to those time frames. Representing the past was the Foremost Stage Lines coach drawn by four ponies. The horses were owned and driven by J. H. Lawson. His co-driver, holding rifle, was not identified.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Stagecoaches--Tacoma; Lawson, J.H.; Ponies;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Entry #17 was the float sponsored by the International Order of Job's Daughters, Bethel 27. Accompanied by the chapter's drill team, the queen and her court, dressed in regalia, waved to spectators massed alongside Pacific Avenue on Saturday, June 28, 1969. Job's Daughters have a Masonic heritage and are comprised of young women between the ages of 10 and 20.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; International Order of Job's Daughters (Washington); Drill teams;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Capturing the award for "best built float" was the Royal City Float. This entry had traveled all the way from New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada. Seated on the float was Miss Royal City for 1968-69, Mary Ellen Kinsey. The Canadian float was one of 23 floats in the June, 1969, parade.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Kinsey, Mary Ellen;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Thousands of area residents lined the streets of downtown Tacoma to watch history pass in review. The two-hour parade started from Stadium High School, headed south on Stadium Way and Pacific Ave. to 21st and Pacific. The bells in the Old City Hall clock tower started ringing at 10 a.m. and continued until the color guard passed. Although the sky was dark and threatening, it did not rain and spectators were able to enjoy the parade under cool and dry conditions. The June 28, 1969, parade was a mixture of 23 floats, 25 horse units, 16 bands, 13 drill teams and about 40 antique automobiles. Standing several rows deep along Pacific near 11th, parade watchers saw the McChord AFB honor guard plus units from other services accompany the Command Module 101 above. (TNT 6-29-69, p. 1)

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Spectators--Tacoma--1960-1970;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Celebrating onboard a 1926 Doane Flatbed truck is a small Dixieland band and several ladies, courtesy of the Seattle Transfer & Storage Co. The morning's cloudy conditions did not deter the group, and spectators, from enjoying the music and all the sights of the Tacoma Centennial Parade. The truck holding the group was in daily use until 1947. It didn't move very quickly but had a tremendous load capacity.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Trucks--Tacoma;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. "Special Delivery" was the aptly titled float sponsored by the Post Office Centennial Belles. Employees were dressed in 19th century costumes as they strolled next to the red "locomotive;" while a beautifully dressed young family rode on the float. Two modern day postal trucks accompanied the entry, depicting postal service from past to present.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; United States Post Office (Tacoma); Post offices--Tacoma;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. June 28, 1969, was selected as the date of Tacoma's Centennial Parade, honoring the city on its 100th birthday. One of the many outstanding entries in the parade was the Minnetonka, Northern Pacific Railway's first locomotive. Measuring 28 feet long, 11 feet 2 inches from the bottom of the wheels to the top of the smoke stack, the Minnetonka weighed about 14 tons. It cost $6,700 at the time of purchase in July of 1870. The Minnetonka was still in perfect running condition although only used for exhibitions. Local residents also had the chance to view the Minnetonka during the 1969 Daffodil Festival parade.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Railroad locomotives--Tacoma; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma;

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;

Rain did not deter these youngsters from rushing to Float #28, a Dutch wonderland of daffodil fields, during the 30th annual Daffodil Festival on April 6, 1963. While the wet and chilly weather, unusual in the past few Daffodil parades, may have forced some spectators to huddle under canopies, other Tacomans stoically stood on the sidewalks to view the colorful spectacle of 27 floats, 34 marching bands, and 37 drill teams. Thousands would watch the parade in person, warmly dressed to ward off rain and cold, while thousands of others would view the procession in the comfort of their own homes via television. Approximately two million daffodils were used in the parade. (TNT 4-6-63, A-1)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1963 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Daffodils--Tacoma; Windmills--Tacoma;

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;