In my senior year at Clover Park High School it rained so hard during the Daffodil Parade in downtown Tacoma, our band was told we wouldn’t be marching. My buddies and I took our leader’s word for it, put away our instruments, and wandered through the crowds. We were taken by surprise when we heard our “fight song.” In full uniform we stood and cheered as the rest of our band marched by . . . without us. So, although I marched each year in the Daffodil Parades, I only marched twice in Tacoma. The rain was similar for the floral parade this year in Puyallup.
I never saw Clover Park march by, but I soon saw the float for the Clover Park School District celebrating 90 years!I rode with my son Patrick into downtown Puyallup to watch my youngest granddaughter march and play flute. The parade was already under weigh. We drove into the parking lot of Safeway on Meridian and the spot that we usually park in was open. What luck! We were in the first row or cars next to the sidewalk and only about ten feet from the main street. I stepped out of the truck just in time to see the Lakes Lancers march by.
Clover Park never marched by that I saw, but I soon saw the float for the Clover Park School District celebrating 90 years!
There were three elements that I enjoyed. One was the Edgemont Junior High Band led by Mr. Andy Birch. Mr. Birch taught music to all three of my son Patrick’s children.
Doing a great job with a coordinated flag routine was the Laked High School Drill Team. With the winds whipping around and lots of rain, the drill team still did a marvelous job.
An hour after the parade my jeans were still soaked and I had been wearing a London Fog overcoat. It was amazing to see smiling faces on most participants, especially those young girls with bare shoulders, bare legs, and drenched hair. They all did a great job for a wonderful tradition. My favorite drill team (I missed their name) were the princesses in purple formals with tiaras, white gloves and white shoes. I loved their routine and it looked like for the most part that they were having a ball. In good rhythm, also.
I used to stare at my cousin Gloria June Whitwoth’s senior picture from Puyallup High School. It rested on Aunt Pauline’s beautiful piano. Glory was a daffodil queen from Puyallup High. Wish I knew which year. She was glamorous. I used to wonder when some of that glamour would emerge as I grew up. Hmmm. I think once a garage mechanic’s daughter always …. And I liked it that way!
Speaking of glory-soaked cousins, I was also envious of cousin Donnie playing in the parade. Heck I didn’t even get school release time to go pick the daffodils. But Somebody has to stand on the.side and clap.
Maybe I’ll have a granddaughter marching or riding a float someday in Puyallup. It could happen?
Lindy,
Yeah, poor you . . . standing on the side and clapping. I wish Peg and I could have been in Detroit for all the times you appeared on stage at The Attic Theatre and brought the house down. We only got a small sample from your formative years at The Empty Space in Seattle, but know that people appreciate your talent. Actually, there was a Whitworth connection at the parade this year in Orting. Audra and Austin marched from Bethel. Tyler and Sheridan could give you a future marcher in perhaps fifteen years if you can hold out that long.
Standing and Clapping Don
I’m so pleased you published an article (of interest) about the Daffodil parade. Too bad our local News Tribune didn’t think a long traditional event important enough to send out a short article and picture, where as in past years there were full page attention.
Good to have the wonderful Suburban Times to get REAL local news.
Nice article. But one thing: “under weigh?” Once the parade got under way, the band was underweight, because you guys were on the sidelines!
Mary,
You got me. We always played Anchors Aweigh at the Clover Park pep rallies, football games, and basketball games . . . and perhaps even at the parade. Don’t know why. My mind went back to the old days and the old weighs . . . oops . . . old ways.
Don
p.s. Actually, when I sing our national anthem at Rotary and other meetings and events . . . I still sing the notes that I played on my baritone Saxophone . . . and not the tune as written.
D
Jean,
I’m glad you enjoyed the article. I was hoping to book space at one of the hotels we normally stay at for the festival weekend, but they never got back to me.
Even in the pouring rain I enjoyed talking with the people dripping next to me as we watched the bands, floats, and drill teams go by. The festival and the parade are so much more than just one city or one school . . . it’s a living example of Pierce County.
Thank you, again for noticing our the story. Please, keep reading and commenting.
Don
I second Jean Kernen’s comment about the lack of coverage, none at all, about the parade this weekend other than the routes it was taking. Nothing on local TV either.
Some years ago my husband and I were in Portland not aware that it was the Rose Parade time. As we viewed the Rose Parade from our hotel window several floors above, what should come into view but the Daffodil Float from Clover Park, banner announcing itself. boy that felt good. It did us proud.