‘I've been smiling all morning': Sun shines down on Daffodil Parade kickoff in Tacoma
Crowds lined the street on a sunny morning in downtown Tacoma to see decorated floats, trucks and bands start their promenade through Pierce County for the 92nd Daffodil Festival Parade.
After last year's overcast, rainy parade day, forcing the Daffodil Royal Court to don umbrellas and jackets over their spring gowns, Saturday dawned warm and bright.
'This is the first year in a while we've had good weather,' festival Communications Director Katelyn Gulley told The News Tribune. 'We're really excited to be out here today.'
The parade started around 10:15 a.m. in Tacoma before moving on to stops in Puyallup, Sumner and Orting. The festival began in 1926 to invite visitors to see daffodils blooming in the Puyallup, Summer and Orting areas. In 1934, Tacoma photographer and founding member Lee Merrill suggested that the daffodil blooms be used to decorate automobiles and bicycles for an annual parade, according to the festival website.
She said that this year's parade has a black car in front to honor the late Robert G. Wekell, a longtime leader in the Daffodil organization who provided support and mentorship for the festival for 51 years, according to the organization's online tribute to Wekell. Wekell shared Honorary Life Daffodilian status with his wife Connie. He died on March 16, the day after the Daffodil Queen's Coronation, Gulley said.
This year's Daffodil Queen is Harmony Jones, with 23 other Daffodil Princesses selected to represent participating Pierce County high schools and make other appearances throughout the year.
The Clan Gordon Pipe Band, a highland bagpipe group formed in 1955 by Scottish immigrants in the Tacoma area, walked in front of the princesses' float as the official 'Queen's Guard.' Pipe Major James Naismith told The News Tribune the pipe band has been playing for the Grand Floral Parade since 1957.
'It's a great honor to be the Queen's Guard of the Daffodil Princess and the Daffodil Queen,' Naismith said. 'So we're very happy to be here.'
Other highlights included a Seattle Seafair Pirates float with a booming cannon, a pink float helmed by a unicorn for the Rhodes Festival in Jefferson County and numerous school bands and cheer teams following the train of yellow blooms.
'I've been smiling all morning,' Tacoma resident Bruce Dougherty said after packing up his lawn chair.
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Yahoo
a day ago
- Yahoo
Gerard Butler Made People 'Cower' on 'How To Train Your Dragon 'Set While Reprising Stoick the Vast Role (Exclusive)
Gerard Butler reprises his How to Train Your Dragon role of Stoick the Vast in the 2025 live-action remake Butler previously voiced the character for the franchise's animated films Mason Thames, who stars as Hiccup in the remake, recalls Butler's powerful presence on setGerard Butler was all too perfect to play a viking chief in How to Train Your Dragon. Costar Mason Thames, who plays Hiccup in the 2025 live-action remake of the beloved animated movie series, recounts how the 55-year-old Scottish actor evoked an intimidating viking spirit while filming. "When he would walk on set, you would feel that presence," Thames, 17, says of Butler, who reprises his role of Stoick the Vast from the animated films. "It's insane to see it in person and him bringing that character to life with the voice, the energy, the giant brute force that Stoick is — him bringing that to life was so incredible to watch." Never miss a story — sign up for to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Thames notes that Butler, who has previously played intimidating characters such as Leonidas the King of Sparta in 300, was impressive to witness once he transformed into mighty Chieftain of Berk. "I feel like he would walk on set and everybody would kind of cower a little bit, including myself," Thames says, describing how people would see Butler in full costume and makeup — beard, armor and all — and call him "chief." The Black Phone 2 actor says that working with Butler and "building chemistry" as they tackled their father-son dynamic for the film was enjoyable because of the "energy" he brought to set. The new film is directed by Dean DeBlois, director of the animated How to Train Your Dragon trilogy, The three animated films, inspired by author Cressida Cowell's bestselling book series, came out in 2010, 2014 and 2019, and each earned Oscar nominations for Best Animated Feature. The new How to Train Your Dragon also stars Nico Parker as the intrepid Astrid, Hiccup's love interest and Nick Frost as Gobber, Hiccup's mentor. The cast also features Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz and Murray McArthur. A synopsis for the film teases, "On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart. The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick the Vast, Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society." How to Train Your Dragon is now in theaters. Read the original article on People
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Edinburgh man recognised for services to veterans in Kings Birthday Honours List
Edinburgh has seen 18 residents recognised in His Majesty The King's Birthday Honours List 2025. They are part of 110 Scottish recipients who will be celebrated as community champions, role models in sport, pioneers in the arts, passionate health workers, and supporters of young people. 1,215 individuals will be recognised for their brilliant achievements, with a particular focus on those who have given their time to public service. Scotland makes up nine per cent of the total honours issued this year. READ MORE: Edinburgh police lock down street after 'shots fired' as gang war rages on READ MORE: Hollywood actor spotted on Edinburgh city centre street leaving fans starstruck Retired major Charles Matthew Pelling who works as a manager at the Lady Haig Poppy Factory has been recognised for his services to veterans and will be awarded an OBE. Prime Minister Keir Starmer said: 'This year's Birthday Honours List is a powerful reminder of the extraordinary dedication, compassion, and service that exists in every corner of our country. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "From community champions to cultural icons, each recipient reflects the very best of Britain. I extend my heartfelt congratulations and gratitude to them all.' The secretary of state for Scotland, Ian Murray, said: "I am delighted to congratulate all those recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list, particularly John and Linda Norgrove on their well-deserved OBEs for their extraordinary humanitarian work in Afghanistan through the Linda Norgrove Foundation. Their dedication to improving the lives of Afghan women and girls, born from personal tragedy, exemplifies the very best of Scottish compassion and resolve. 'Communities across Scotland benefit from the extraordinary effort of those honoured. From Dr Richa Sinha Chair of the Scottish Hindu society and their work to tackle Hinduphobia, to Zahrah Mahmood Chair of the Rambling Society to Heather Hall founding The Usual Place in Dumfries. 'I would also like to extend special recognition to Scotland Office's own Moira Vance on receiving her MBE. Moira's unwavering commitment to public service has been instrumental in the work of our department for 44 years, and this honour reflects her exceptional contribution to the people of Scotland. 'The Honours list showcases the remarkable achievements of individuals across Scotland who have gone above and beyond in their respective fields. Their service to our communities represents the spirit of dedication and excellence that makes Scotland proud." Anyone can nominate someone for an honour. If you know someone who has achieved fantastic things worthy of recognition, click here to put them forward. A list of Edinburgh recipients are below: CBE: Professor Julie Lydia FITZPATRICK OBE FRSE Chief Scientific Adviser, Scottish Government. For services to Science (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) OBE: Yvonne Cecelia Elizabeth LEAVY (Yvonne Sibson) Lead Epilepsy Nurse, NHS Lothian. For services to Epilepsy Nursing (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Catherine Anne MACDONALD (Kiki Macdonald) Co-Founder and Trustee, Euan 's Guide. For services to People with Disabilities (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Dr Alastair John MACGILCHRIST Chair, Scottish Health Action on Alcohol Problems. For services to Medicine and Public Health (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) John Grant MACRAE For Charitable Services in Scotland (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Duncan Andrew MOSS Technical Relationship Consultant, Ordnance Survey. For services to Technical Consultancy and to Government Resilience (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Major (Rtd) Charles Matthew PELLING Manager, Lady Haig Poppy Factory, Poppy Scotland. For services to Veterans (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Alexander James Samuel STEWART Senior Statistician, Office of the Chief Economic Adviser, Scottish Government. For services to Scottish Economic Statistics (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Karen Valerie WATT Lately Chief Executive Officer, Scottish Funding Council. For Public Service (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) MBE: Anthea Margaret DONAGHUE Lately Chair, Pregnancy Counselling and Care Scotland. For services to Pregnancy Support in Edinburgh (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Professor Donna-Jean Corrigan O'BOYLE Professional Adviser to the Chief Nursing Officer's Directorate, Scottish Government. For services to Improving Patient Safety (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Lesley STEPHEN Patient Advocate, Make 2nds Count. For services to People with Secondary Breast Cancer and to Cancer Research (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Bridget Mary STEVENS Pioneer, Audio Description, Edinburgh. For services to the Arts (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) BEM: Alan BORTHWICK Artistic Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society. For services to Music (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Frank DONOGHUE Lately Locality Hub Team Leader, City of Edinburgh Council. For Public Service in Edinburgh (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Thomas DOUGLAS Veterans Community Support Manager, Royal British Legion Scotland. For services to Veterans in Scotland (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) David Liston LYLE Musical Director, Edinburgh Gilbert and Sullivan Society. For services to Music (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Margaret McPhillips MANSON Founder, Edinburgh Technician Network. For services to the Provision of Sciences in Education in Edinburgh (Edinburgh, City of Edinburgh) Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Yahoo
Celebrities on Birthday Honours list from David Beckham to Claudia Winkleman
A number of celebrities have been recognised on this year's King's Birthday Honours list. The King's Birthday Honours celebrate individual outstanding achievements and contributions to British society. Honours are given to people involved in a range of fields, including sport, health, science and technology, education, business, and the arts and media, While Sir Gareth Southgate and Sir Sadiq Khan were names on the New Year Honours, here are some of the famous faces you might recognise that have made the new King's Birthday Honours list. Sir Gareth Southgate 🏴 Our former manager and player has been awarded a Knighthood in the King's New Year Honours List for 2025 for his services to association football 👏 — England (@England) December 30, 2024 Here are some of the celebrities recognised in the King's Birthday Honours list, what honour they have received and what it is for. Georgia Harrison - Reality TV star - MBE for services to tackling online privacy and cybercrime awareness Samantha Morton - Actress - OBE for services to drama and charity Pam Duncan-Glancy - Member of the Scottish Parliament for the Glasgow Region - MBE for political and public service Penny Mordaunt - Former MP, former leader of the House of Commons and former Defence Secretary - Damehood for political and public service Rufus Norris - former director of the National Theatre - Knighthood for services to theatre Adjoa Andoh - actress - MBE for services to drama Pat Barker CBE - writer and novelist - Damehood for services to literature Claudia Winkleman - television presenter - MBE for services to broadcasting Tess Daly - television presenter - MBE for services to broadcasting Anita Dobson - actress - for services to charitable fundraising and philanthropy Gary Oldman - actor - Knighthood for services to drama David Beckham - former footballer - Knighthood for services to sport and charity Virginia Wade - former tennis player - OBE - For services to tennis and charity Billy Boston - former rugby player - Knighthood for services to rugby league Luke Littler - darts player - MBE for services to darts Luke Humphries - darts player - MBE for services to darts Deta Hedman - darts player - OBE for services to darts and charity Alistair Brownlee - former triathlete - OBE for services to triathlon and charity Rachel Daly - footballer - MBE for services to association football Frank Rothwell - Oldham FC owner - OBE for services to dementia research Devon Malcolm - former cricketer - OBE for services to cricket and to diversity in cricket Steven Davies - former cricketer - MBE for services to sport David Lawrence - former cricketer - MBE for services to cricket Monica Vaughan - former Paralympian - OBE for services to sport Andy Lapthorne - wheelchair tennis star - MBE for services to tennis Natasha Jonas - boxer - MBE for services to boxing and to the community in Liverpool Michael Dunlop - motorcycle rider - MBE for services to motorcycle racing Trish Johnson - golfer - MBE for services to women's golf Christine Still - BBC gymnastics commentator - MBE for services to gymnastics Stephen Lambert - television producer - OBE for services to television Roger Daltrey - leader singer of The Who - Knighthood for services to music and charity Debbie Crosbie - chief executive of Nationwide - Damehood for services to financial services Roisin Currie - chief executive of Nationwide of Greggs - CBE for services to hospitality Dana Strong - group chief executive of Sky - CBE for her services to business and media Clare Barclay - chief executive of Microsoft UK - Damehood for services to business, technology and leadership Lyssa McGowan - chief executive of Pets At Home - OBE for her services to retail Elaine Paige - West End star - Damehood for services to music and charity Any member of the public or an official body can nominate someone for an honour. UK nationals and citizens of 15 Commonwealth 'realms', of which the King is head of state, are eligible for nomination. People living or working overseas, whose achievements were made in another country or in the UK and have a significant international element, can be nominated too. Nominations are submitted to the Cabinet Office's Honours and Appointments Secretariat, which oversees the honours system. A group of 10 independent honours committees, each covering a specialist subject area such as sport or health, consider nominations. King Charles ultimately decides who is recognised in the Birthday Honours list (Image: Temilade Adelaja/PA Wire) The recommendations of these groups of independent experts and senior civil servants are passed on to the Prime Minister and, ultimately, the King for approval. There are two sets of honours per year, at New Year and in June on the King's official birthday. Once all recipients have been decided and checked, the Central Chancery of the Orders of Knighthood at St James's Palace arranges investitures for the presentation of medals. These ceremonies, held about 30 times a year at Buckingham Palace, Windsor Castle and, occasionally, the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, and are hosted by senior royals. The most senior ranks of the Order of the British Empire are Knight or Dame Grand Cross (GBE) and Knight or Dame Commander (KBE or DBE). Recommended reading: New Year Honours knight Sir Stephen Fry, Sir Gareth Southgate and Sir Sadiq Khan The order's ranks, after Knighthood or Damehood, are Commander (CBE), Officer (OBE) and Member (MBE). Other honours include Companion of Honour (CH), British Empire Medal (BEM), Royal Victorian Order (RVO), Order of the Bath and Order of St Michael and St George. There is also Royal Red Cross (RRC), King's Police Medal (KPM), King's Fire Service Medal (KFSM) and King's Ambulance Service Medal (KAM).
