ca. 1935. The Rotary Club, almost always represented in the Daffodil Parade, entered this flower covered car in one of the early parades, most likely 1935. The automobile has so many flowers that even the wheels are covered with their own bouquets.

ca. 1935. This float was entered in one of the very early Daffodil Festival parades, most likely 1935. A grass covered car is topped by a daffodil basket in which sit two charming cherubs. The two children are dressed formally, he in top hat and tails and she in a white bonnet. The floats at this time period were very simple; usually flower covered cars or mounted on the flat beds of small trucks.

1941 Daffodil Queen. Posing with a large bouquet of daffodils and wearing a headpiece composed of the flowers is 18-year-old Pauline Martin of Sumner who was the 1941 Daffodil Festival Queen. "Queen Pauline I" was crowned on March 22, 1941, in Puyallup by J. Arthur Thompson, president of that year's festival. Governor Arthur Langlie was in attendance as well as Tacoma Mayor Harry P. Cain, who served as toastmaster. Queen Pauline and her two attendants, Maxene Maddex of Lincoln High School and Doris Simonsen of Puyallup, would ride in the March 29th Daffodil Festival Parade. (TNT 3-21-41, p. 1)

Two young girls with bouquets of daffodils ride atop the Rotary Club of Tacoma's float in the 1940 Daffodil Parade. The focus point of the Rotary Club float is the gigantic globe, with the continents marked out with daffodils. The floats are lined up in a staging area prior to the parade. See Series D9587 image 19 for a Richards Studio photograph taken at almost the same exact time. TPL-2941

Sumner's entry in the 1940 Daffodil Parade was this floral cross section of a daffodil. Each daffodil petal is occupied by a girl. The girls wear white dresses. The float appears to be lined up in a staging area. One can only wonder if there were also five girls on the other side of the float, or if this float could only be fully appreciated from one side. The Tacoma Times calls the float a giant paddle wheel, a-la a Mississippi riverboat, with a girl in each paddle. See D9587 image 4 for another view of the float. (T. Times 3/30/1940, pg. 1)

This undated photograph featuring the Corner Club Girls rolling down Broadway at 9th Street is most probably of the historical pageant parade presented Labor Day 1934. The costumed lovelies are from Pioneer Days and are festooned in ruffles, bonnets and parasols. The Tacoma Corner Club was formed by Mrs. Percy C. Smith who served as advisor and was fondly referred to as "Mother Smith." The women of the Tacoma Corner Club hosted dinners, dances, plays, took classes in bookkeeping, first aid, shorthand, the Bible, among others, and supported one another. They presented a flag to the State Historical Society in 1933. The original club was formed in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1917. (Additional information provided by a reader)

Tacoma High School students parade to "Boost the Stadium." The campaign to raise $100,000 to build a beautiful high school stadium next to the school was successfully launched on October 6, 1908, when 2,000 school children ranging from 7th-8th grade to high schoolers marched in the "Boost for Stadium" parade. The school district cooperated by making the day a half-day so that the youngsters could march from Tacoma High School (later renamed Stadium High School) to the Union Club and then onto the downtown business district. Led by the Tacoma Musicians Union, who provided their services without charge, the marchers chanted "Boost for the stadium, stadium, stadium" and "Stadium, stadium, stadium, stadium" throughout the long walk. Paraders canvassed the business blocks of Commerce and "C" (now Broadway) and Pacific and would go on to canvas residential areas after school the next day. They asked businesses to contribute $10 promissory notes payable to the Board of Education. Each $10 entitled subscribers to one seat in the stadium for all entertainments there for the next five years. Supporters of the new stadium aimed to have it completed and ready for dedication and use by May 1, 1909. (TDL 10-6-1908, p. 5-article; TDL 10-7-1908, p.1-article)

ca. 1910. McClintock's World Famous So. Tacoma Band. Men dressed in costumes for a parade. The bell of one of the horns says "So. Tacoma Tigers - Pacific Coast Champions, 1910"

ca. 1908. McClintock's World Famous So. Tacoma Band. Men in costumes in parade on So. Union Ave. The vehicles and men cover from the sidewalk into the street. C.S. (Carl S.) Enger's hardware store, 5401 So. Union Ave., in background.

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;

1978 Daffodil Festival Parade. The Olympic Arabian Pleasure Horse Club members and their nine pure or one-half Arabian horses moved majestically down Pacific Avenue during the 1978 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade. The riders hail from the Bremerton area. They wear attractive costumes that are handmade. The Olympic Arabian Pleasure Horse Club would win third place in the Mounted Units category. They were one of the 13 horse units entered in the parade.

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

1978 Daffodil Festival Parade. Performing before spectators lined several feet deep along Pacific Avenue were the 90-piece marching band members from Gov. John R. Rogers High School of Puyallup. Brilliant sunshine and low 50 degree weather greeted participants in the 45th Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Grand Floral Parade. The Rogers High School band was led by director Gary Jacobson (possibly the man walking in the foreground) and would perform two numbers.

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

1978 Daffodil Festival Parade. The Judges Trophy for originality was awarded to the Orting Community's entry in the 1978 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Parade. It was one of the 33 floats entered in the parade. Orting had selected the theme "Lighter than Air" which was aptly displayed by the use of three flowered hot-air balloons floating on large white clouds. Several young ladies in pastels and white, possibly seniors at Orting High School, graced the float. The float measured 42-feet long, 11-feet wide and 13-feet high with some 35,000 white daffodils. The News Tribune noted in its front page parade article that it was a "crowd favorite." (TNT 4-9-78, A-1)

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

1978 Daffodil Festival Parade. The 30-member drill team from Gov. John R. Rogers High School in Puyallup march proudly down Pacific Avenue during the April, 1978, Daffodil Festival Parade. The school's 90-piece marching band follows. The Rogers High School entry was one of 12 marching units and drill teams participating in the parade.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1978 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Marching bands; Drill teams;

1979 Daffodil Parade. Downtown Tacoma Association's entry in the 1979 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Parade consisted of a gathering of "superheroes," in various costumes. According to Richards Studio notes, they were (not all shown in photograph): Cliff Cook as Superman, Ms. Downtown Tacoma Joan Cook as Lois Lane, Dale Holden as Superwoman, Bruce Meyer as The Flash, Patty Richardson as Wonderwoman, Rohn Burgess as Zorro, Jim Wilhelmi, Jr. as Clark Kent, Chris Salatino as Isis, Skip Warren as Aquaman, Denise Robb as Batwoman, Duane Lindoff as Batman, Connie Buchanan as Jana, Donna Burgess as Catwoman and Jeff Lovely as Robin. "Superfriends in Super City" won the Commissioners' Trophy for best commercial float. (TNT 4-8-79, AA-2-article)

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Parade (1979 : 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;

1973 Daffodil Festival Parade. The theme of the 40th annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade was "Happiness Is." This unidentified float, one of 27 in the parade, adds to the theme with "To the Stars." The float is colorfully decorated in golden daffodils including several large stars and a mixture of blue and white flowers, possibly signifying the sky and clouds. Children dressed in multi-colored shawls and pretty dresses wave to the crowds lining Pacific Avenue.

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

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. 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;

1974 Daffodil Festival Parade. The Afifi Temple had an appropriate float for the April 6, 1974, Daffodil Festival Grand Parade whose theme was "What the World Needs Now..." The country was suffering from a shortage of gasoline so the Afifi entry which had paused on its route down Pacific Avenue to "fill" up a clown's tiny cycle, probably spoke volumes to the parade spectators. A daffodil "oil derrick" is displayed behind a flower-bedecked tent. Several persons dressed in colorful "Middle Eastern" garb monitor the distribution of oil and gas. Fresh palm branches were imported and placed among the 35,000 daffodils. The clever Afifi Temple float captured the Grand Award, runner-up to the FTD Sweepstakes.

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

1974 Daffodil Parade. "Fun and Laughter" certainly exemplified the Bates Vocational-Technical Institute's entry in the 1974 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival Grand Parade. Raggedy Ann and Andy rode on top of the golden daffodil-covered float along with a giant Jack-in-the-box, brightly colored blocks and a small carousel. Two clowns, one on a unicycle, and four marching "blocks" completed the entertaining float. With an artful use of 40,000 daffodils, the Bates float captured the FTD Sweepstakes Award for the best in show.

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

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;

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;

1975 Daffodil Festival Parade. This Lakewood Summer Festival entry was one of the 34 floats enjoyed by parade spectators during the 42nd annual Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade. The cheerful display of this multi-part float incorporating bright goldens, pinks, reds and pure whites in summer suns added to the overall sunny day. The float won the best festival award for the 1975 parade.

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

1975 Daffodil Festival Parade. Traveling from Vancouver, B.C., was the entry from the Pacific National Exhibition entitled "Pageant of the Pacific." A small orca leaps among the rolling waves while two women wave to the throngs lining Pacific Avenue. An "ancient" vessel with sails is mid-center on the float. The PNE float won second place in "Towns over 5000" category.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1975 : 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;