Tacoma Centennial Parade. These passengers, aboard a miniature Union Pacific train, were treated to a ride of a lifetime during the June, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade. The two-hour parade was met by thousands of spectators as it wound its way from Stadium High School down to 21st & Pacific. Union Pacific had established a presence in Tacoma beginning in 1911.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Union Pacific Railroad Co. (Tacoma);

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. Two matched and registered Belgian draft horses, owned and driven by Bob Smith of Montesano, pull the float "Farm Festival" during the 1969 Tacoma Centennial Parade. The two girls sitting on a bale of hay in front of the red painted "barn" and silo are members of the Farm Festival court.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Horses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Smith, Bob;

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. Making a colorful splash in the 1969 Tacoma Centennial Parade was the Culinary Belles entry from local area restaurants. The bright red 40-foot float carried examples of nearly-forgotten kitchen accessories including an antique butter churn and an 1889 coffee grinder. A waitress, dressed in long white gown and cap, appeared more like a nurse than a restaurant employee. Visiting "customers" were elaborately dressed in clothing styles and hats of the past. Entertaining at the piano was Marilyn Ogburn of the Cable Car Room of Steve's Gay '90s.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Ogburn, Marilyn; Pianos; Churns;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Spectators oohed and ahhed at the sight of these antique automobiles during the June 28, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade. Both the Tacoma chapter of the Model "T" Club and members of the Galloping Gertie Model "A" Club drove their basic-black vehicles sedately down Pacific Avenue. This group is believed to be the Model "T" Club. Even the drivers and passengers were dressed in turn-of-the-century clothing to the added enjoyment of thousands of parade viewers.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Ford automobile;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. With steam billowing befitting its nickname, "Old Snorter" gave parade viewers a good look at logging equipment of the past. The Lake Cushman Development Co. entry was a restored 70-year-old steam donkey. "Old Snorter" had been used for logging in the Olympic Peninsula where it loaded logs onto railroad cars at landings and also yarded logs in the woods. Aboard the steam donkey were Bill Parsons, Syd Anderson, George Mueller, Gene Visser and Lyle Linton.

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Floats (Parades)--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Steam donkeys; Parsons, Bill; Anderson, Syd; Mueller, George; Visser, Gene; Linton, Lyle;

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Tacoma City Light's "Progress of Power" float won the Sweepstakes Award for the June 28, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade. It depicted the power generation from 1893 to the 21st century. At the float's center is a model of the Mossyrock Dam which was dedicated in May of 1969. The rear of the float had a representation of City Light's first generation facility built in Gallagher's Gulch in 1884. Leading the float (not pictured) was Graydon Bailey. Centennial Belles on board were Arlene Klein, Sharon Jenkins, Marion Plaquet, Jean Callison, Wilma Kowalchuk and Elizabeth Sand. John Purvis and John Canonica escorted the float.

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

Tacoma Centennial Parade. Purchased by the City of Tacoma in 1890, this horse-drawn patrol wagon was used for 18 years by the city's police force. It has been restored as close as possible to its original form. Overall length of the paddy wagon was 23 feet. On board during the June 28, 1969, Tacoma Centennial Parade were Tacoma's own Keystone Kops. (TNT 6-29-69, p. 1)

Tacoma Centennial Parade (Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1960-1970; Centennial celebrations--Tacoma; Horses--Tacoma--1960-1970; Tacoma Police Department (Tacoma);

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);

1971 Daffodil Parade. Dressed in sharp blue blazers, white skirts, blue berets and white boots, the Renaissance Drill Team of Seattle marched in formation down Tacoma's downtown streets before thousands of waiting spectators. The girls were one of 19 drill teams participating in the 1971 Daffodil Parade.

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

1971 Daffodil Parade. The view of the Old Public Safety Building (former Northern Pacific Railroad headquarters) retreats in the background as the cadets of Marymount Academy march down Pacific Ave during the 1971 Daffodil Parade. The young men perform rifle maneuvers as the crowd watches. The group from Marymount was one of 19 drill teams entered in the parade.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Drill teams; Marymount Military Academy (Spanaway);

1971 Daffodil Parade. Mayor Gordon N. Johnston and wife Esther wave to the throngs alongside Pacific Avenue on April 3, 1971, at the start of the annual Daffodil Festival Parade. Behind them in another antique automobile is Basil Anton and wife; Mr. Anton is the president of the Festival. Paradegoers were fortunate to have blue skies and plenty of sunshine for this springtime parade.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Johnston, Gordon N.; Johnston, Esther; Anton, Basil; Anton, Basil--Family; Automobiles--Tacoma;

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. 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. 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. The Afifi Oriental band, a motley assembly of musicians representing the Afifi Temple, banged their tambourines and drums to the delight of thousands of spectators as the band paraded down Pacific Avenue during the 1971 Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival parade. The Oriental Band was one of 30 bands participating in the annual parade.

Puyallup Valley Daffodil Festival (1971 : Tacoma); Parades & processions--Tacoma--1970-1980; Marching bands; Afifi Temple (Tacoma); Ancient Arabic Order of Nobles of the Mystic Shrine (Tacoma); Fraternal organizations--Tacoma--1970-1980;