By Kelly Hewitt, Daffodil Festival Alumna & Historian
Although the first official Daffodil Parade was held on March 17, 1934, yearly themes were not introduced until the year 1952. The first theme for the Daffodil Festival was “Alfred in Wonderland.”
The theme was a reference to the King Alfred daffodil, Puyallup’s most famous export. The theme helped draw the largest crowds in Tacoma to date. An estimated 200,000 lined the streets. Not only did the theme pique the interest of the crowds, but also inspired the creativity of float designers.
Throughout the years, themes were determined in creative ways. 1966’s theme of “This Land of Ours” was selected from a contest. The winner, Mrs. Anita Kundle, received the Oldsmobile convertible that Queen Kay Bryson rode in for the 1965 parade.
Theme selection is now left to the incoming Festival President. The President and First Lady/Gentleman might pick a theme on their own or ask for the input of their fellow board members.
Theme-inspired commemorative pins are sold each year. In recent years, themes not only influence the float and pin design, but also acts as the prompt for the one-minute speeches at the princess selections and Queen’s Coronation.
Take a look at the past themes for each Daffodil Parade. Which themes are your favorites?
1952 – Alfred in Wonderland
1953 – Washington Territorial Centennial
1954 – Vacation Land
1955 – Golden Future
1956 – Story Time in Daffodils
1957 – Melodies in Daffodils
1958 – Fairytales in Daffodils
1959 – Daffodils Salute Alaska
1960 – Daffodils Salute Hawaii
1961 – Wonders of the World
1962 – Daffodils Salute Century 21
1963 – Great Moments
1964 – Nations on Parade
1965 – Masterpieces
1966 – This Land of Ours
1967 – Fun ‘N’ Fantasy
1968 – Tales & Legend
1969 – Down Memory Lane
1970 – Greatest Show on Earth
1971 – Nature Our Greatest Heritage
1972 – Proudly We Hail
1973 – Happiness Is…
1974 – What the World Needs Now
1975 – Remember When
1976 – America’s 200 Years
1977 – Puget Sound USA
1978 – Free Spirit
1979 – Northwest Paradise
1980 – Magic Moments
1981 – International Interlude
1982 – Daffodil Festival Salutes Country Western
1983 – Golden Memories
1984 – Tomorrow’s Dreams
1985 – Spring & Alive in ’85
1986 – Golden Enchantment
1987 – A Quest for Peace
1988 – My Favorite Things
1989 – Sentimental Journey
1990 – Puget Sound on Parade
1991 – For Kids of All Ages 9-91
1992 – Rediscover America
1993 – Pure Imagination
1994 – Let the Good Times Roll
1995 – Fields of Dreams
1996 – Fun & Fascination
1997 – Symphony of Spring
1998 – Up and Away!
1999 – Romance in Bloom
2000 – A Century of Memories
2001 – Headin’ For the Future
2002 – 2002 Reasons to Smile
2003 – It’s Magic
2004 – It Was All Just Rock ‘n’ Roll
2005 – Dreams Come Alive in 2005
2006 – Daffodil Delights
2007 – All That Jazz
2008 – Remembering Your First Daffodil Parade
2009 – Swing into Spring
2010 – Carousel of Spring
2011 – Spirit of Adventure
2012 – Believe (Don’t Stop Believing)
2013 – Magic of Music
2014 – Ready, Set, Grow!
2015 – Shine Your Light with Service
2016 – Fun in the Sun
2017 – Daffodil in Paradise
2018 – Traditions in Bloom
2019 – A Heart of Service
2020 – Honoring the Past
2021 – Reach for Your Star
Stay Tuned for the 2022 Theme Announcement – coming SOON!
Kelly Hewitt is a 2010 Lakes High School Daffodil Festival Princess Alumna and the 2022 Festival Historian.
If you have any pieces of Daffodil Festival history that you would like to share, please contact Kelly at DaffodilFestivalPR@gmail.com.