Before the Parade Passes By

On Saturday,  the predicted storm blew in early and heavy rain was coming in sideways as Tom set out to meet a friend to watch Tacoma's Daffodil Parade.  I decided to stay home but just as the parade was about to begin, there was a break in the storm and the sun even made an appearance.  Tom took the below pictures.


"Despite the loss of the daffodil farmers throughout the years, Pierce County is still fertile ground, continuing to sprout new ideas and ways of thinking, ingenuity, industry, and innovation. The parade still hosts the beautiful golden flowers, but the true celebration continues to revolve around the community from which it originates, and the people whose hands have built the festival from the very beginning. The high school bands, floats, businesses and local organizations, all hold strong ties to the streets they march, walk, and ride over in the parade. It is for this reason that the Daffodil Festival still flourishes."


"This Festival thrives, when Pierce County is at its strongest; when the support and spirit of its diverse communities come together. When they share their talents, and take part in a grand tribute to the land they live in, magic happens. That’s the Parade, showcasing a community at its best."


"Daffodils came to the Puyallup Valley around 1925 to replace the area’s dying hop industry. The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommended bulb growing because of the Valley’s excellent soil and ideal climate. About 200 varieties of Daffodils are grown, with the King Alfred being best known and most locally grown."


Each high school in Pierce County elects a daffodil princess and  through some sort of contest, one is crowned queen of the festival.  However, all of the princesses act as ambassadors of Pierce County and dedicate their year of royalty to community service.  The royal court always wears daffodil yellow dresses but Tom didn't get a picture of them.  You can see one here.