As we enter into the 93rd season of the Daffodil Festival, get to know incoming Presidents and long-time Daffodilians, Bob & Anitra Sudderth.
The Sudderths joined the Daffodil Festival in 2009 upon returning to the Pierce County area after they retired. Anitra had long aspired to be involved with the Daffodil Festival in a larger capacity. She explained “I got started as a Daffodil Princess wannabe. Although, my parents grew daffodils and donated them to the float so we were also involved in that capacity.” She went on to explain that one day while on a stroll through Puyallup, she saw a sign stating “Daffodil Festival office here” outside an old bank building and strode in to say hi. “The rest is history,” Anitra chuckled. Soon after, Anitra became a charioteer (royalty chaperone) with the Daffodil Festival. Bob followed shortly thereafter, “From day one its been parade. A fellow by the name of Jim Bradley had conducted the parade for a quarter of a century and they wanted someone to help him that had a military background… someone that could speak the same language.” When asked what prompted them to run as co-presidents Anitra said “this is really a lifelong dream.”
A heartwarming statement, only topped when asking about the decision for their theme. “Why did you choose the theme ‘Bloom Where You’re Planted?’” “That one is from my mother. Back at the beginning of time,” Anitra jokes, “she was President of the Altrusa women’s business group in Puyallup and that was what she chose as a theme. It was in the back of my mind and the more I thought about it, I thought ‘ this is just absolutely perfect for Daffodil.’” Anitra went on to explain that the theme reflects the journey our Princesses go on throughout their year of service. “They are growing into fully-functioning and developed people… I feel like that is something that every day could wake up and think, ‘Bloom where you’re planted’ and understand that there are some daffodil bugs along the way but not to worry. Tomorrow’s another day and that is what you need, to be ready to bloom in the next day.”
I went on to prod about their hopes for the 2026 Festival season.
“What is your favorite part of the Festival?”
I may as well have skipped this question, because given Bob’s long history as our Parade Director, the answer was not surprising. Both Bob and Anitra answered “Parade!” and Bob went on “We have all these wonderful events leading up to the parade, but the parade is really the capstone of the Festival season.”
“What are you most looking forward to this year?”
Anitra, who is a past chaperone, expressed she is looking forward to getting to be close with the princesses again. When asked about her favorite festival memory earlier in the interview she reminisced “Being one of the drivers for the princesses, you totally adopt those girls. They really are the most wonderful people and it is so much fun yo teach them just the tiny things in life that make a big difference.” She continued “ It was a way of stepping into a parent role that I had certainly been missing and the girls were just so easy to incorporate into your heart.”
Bob, looking into the future and reflecting on the past, remarked “The Daffodil Festival has really recovered…and I think its built into an organization that’s gonna last. I think the thing to do is build on what our predecessors have done and reestablish our relationships.” Bob emphasized “My favorite memories revolve around the friendships that I made.”
Looping back into the realm of royalty “What do you want to say to the girls running for Daffodil Princess at their high schools?”
Anitra “This is an opportunity for you to experience an amazing place to grow and practice skills you will be using all your life”
Bob “This is an opportunity to enhance your resume, to be exposed to things most teenagers aren’t exposed to. You’ll learn public speaking, self-presentation, how the community works, and establish community connections that will benefit you.”
Finally we asked our incoming co-presidents, what they wanted to the public to know about the Festival. “This is an iconic event. Next to the Fair, we are one of the most recognizable events in Pierce County. We have grown into a celebration of community and honoring those in it.” Proud of the progress of the Festival, Anitra added “I am so very proud of what it has become and all of the traditions that are dear and timeless remain in effect.”
Thank you Bob & Anitra for your time and for stepping up to the tee to swing into the Presidency for the 2026 Daffodil Festival.
The Daffodil Festival is a volunteer-run nonprofit – we depend on community support and involvement to continue our traditions and royalty program. Consider getting involved, attending our events, or staying connected through our newsletter!
