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On July 14, 2008 the Daffodil Festival Board of Directors suspended all travel for the remainder of the 2008 festival season. The Board was faced with a funding shortfall for the 2008 budget, therefore the Board's only course of action was to suspend all out of town festival appearances for the remainder of the season. Although travel to other festivals is a small portion of the festivals overall budget, the lack of additional funding sources required this drastic action. The Board of Directors are busy exploring new avenues of funding and reviewing if a lack of community support means the festival may need to change directions or reduce activities. Currently the festival helps to attract regional and national attention to the Pierce County/Puyallup Valley area and welcomes and hosts dignitaries and guests from other area festivals. The Daffodil Royalty program also provides scholarship opportunities and allows the Royalty to act as Ambassadors for all of Pierce County as they make appearances throughout the Pacific Northwest.

Recognizing the changing financial climate the Festival Board recently hired a part-time Funding / Community Relations Director to help rebuild the festival's budget for the 2009 festival year. The Board is hopeful this new position will help rebuild the festival program and assure the festival continues for years to come.

On July 4th, 2008 the Daffodil Festival traveling float and Daffodil Royalty participated in the annual Eatonville 4th of July Parade in Eatonville, WA. Riding the float were Queen Olivia Anderson and Daffodil Princesses Kate McKee and Lainy Hanson. Also marching with the float were members of the Daffodil family and Festival President Ron Simchen.

The next appearance for the Daffodil Float will be in Kent, WA on July 12th, 2008

The Daffodil Festival Traveling float was awarded the Grand Sweepstakes for the second year at the annual Fathom's O' Fun Parade in Pt. Orchard, Washington. Riding on the Daffodil Float was Daffodil Queen Olivia Anderson & Princesses Teresa Grossnickle and Kelli Bornander.

Marching with the float was Daffodil President Ron Simchen and other members of the Daffodil Festival.

The Daffodil Float will make it's next appearance at the annual 4th of July parade in Eatonville, WA.

On June 21st the Daffodil Festival family participated in the annual Marysville Strawberry Festival. Riding on the float was Queen Olivia Anderson and Princesses Katie Berry and Alex Batdorf. Helping to carry the float banner was Princess Jasrael Stokes and Daffodilians Vicki Borovich and Pam Phipps. The Daffodil Festival Float was presented with the Grand Sweepstakes award.

Daffodil Festival members participating in the parade were President Ron Shichen, Mike Kelley, Jeanne How, Nella Hawks, Carol Gregory, Dick & Sandy Driskell, Joel and Bev Vranna, Janice Wagenbalst and John Botelho. Riding in the Daff Golf Cart were Fred Borovich and Sue Mattingly. The Daffodil Float Crew was Gregg & Amy Edwards who transported the float, Kent Baskett float driver; Ernie Ouellette radio, J.P Prizmich radio. Dianne Hall was the Royalty chaperone. Our cheering section included Joe Hawks and Mary Ouellette.

The Daffodil Traveling Float will make it's next appearance at the annual Pt. Orchard Festival on June 28, 2008.

On May 31, 2008 members of the the Daffodil Festival along with the Daffodil Festival Float participated in the annual Forest Festival in Shelton, WA.

Those in attendance were Daffodil Festival President Ron Simchen; Float Crew members Jack Angeline (float driver); Brad Stevens; Glenn Whaley; Bruce Bleckert; and Roger Cooley. Roger Cooley also drove the semi which hauls the festival float. Representing our Royalty were Princess Anna Anderson; Princess Tessa Grossnickle and Princess Lyndsay Morre accompanied by Kathi Baldwin as chaperone. Marching with the float were Nella Hawks, Ron & Mary Ann Jensen, Grant & Adelle Smith; Sandy Hust; Janice Wagenblast, and Kathi Baldwin. Driving the Daffodil Cart was Joe Hawks with his Grandson Joey. Carrying the banner were FOF’s Lorraine Westmark; Linda Robertson and Linda Cooley. Cheering us on was George Woodworth; Queen Mom Carrie and son Zach; new FOF member Lynn De La Maza and the parents and grandparents of the Princesses riding on the float.

The Daffodil Traveling Float will make it next appearance at the annual Strawberry Festival in Marysville, WA on June 21, 2008.

On May 24th the Daffodil Festival traveled to New Westminster, BC, Canada and participated in the annual Hyack Festival. Daffodil Festival President Ron Simchen lead the Daffodil Traveling Float as it traveled along the parade route through downtown New Westminster and ending in Queens Park.

The Daffodil Traveling float was presented with the Hyack Award and riding the float were Daffodil Princesses Justine Gray, Katie Potasky and Nicolle Thompson. Escorting the Daffodil Royalty was chaperone Debbie Cooley.

The Daffodil Festival Traveling float and Royalty will make their next appearance at the Annual Forest Festival in Sequim, Washington on May 31st, 2008.

On May 17th, 2008 the Daffodil Festival participated in the annual Rhododendron Festival at Pt. Townsend, WA. The Festival's traveling float was presented with the Grand Sweepstakes award just prior to the start of the parade. Riding on the float were Daffodil Festival Princesses Anna Anderson, Courtney Price and Gloria Bleakley. Members of the Daffodil Family escorted the float as it traveled along the parade route.

The Daffodil Festival's Float will make it's next appearance at the Hyack Festival in New Westminster BC, Canada on May 24th, 2008.

On May 10th, 2008 the members of the Daffodil Festival participated in the annual Irrigation Festival in Sequim, WA. Riding on the Daffodil Festival Traveling Float were Daffodil Queen Olivia Anderson and Daffodil Princesses Gloria Bleakley and Megan Jones. Members of the Daffodil Festival escorted the float as it traveled along the parade route in downtown Sequim.

The Festival's Float was presented with the Irrigation President's Award just prior to entering the parade route. The Festival's next appearance will be at the annual Rhododendron Festival in Pt Townsend, WA on May 17th, 2008.

On Saturday, May 3rd, the Daffodil Festival Traveling Float and Royalty participated in the annual Apple Blossom Parade in Wenatchee, Washington. The Daffodil Float was presented with the Community Sweepstakes Award and riding the float were Daffodil Queen Olivia Anderson and Princesses Lyndsay Moore and Alysha Barry.

The Daffodil Float's next appearance will be at the Irrigation Festival in Sequim, Washington on Saturday May 10th, 2008.

Below are the reflections of a 1978 Daffodil Princess from Orting High School and Coronation Judge Shelly Schlumpf. Shelly was also the Royal Court Chorographer for the Daffodil Festival for 24 years and retired from that position in 2003.

Question: What do you call an event where over 1,000 people attend, hundreds of which are 17 and 18 year old high school students, over 50 representatives are wearing bright yellow jackets, a half dozen bag pipers march right up the center of the crowd in a traditional procession, the Spanaway Lake High School Music Company performs a tribute to the Beatles, 23 princesses in long yellow dresses are guided on stage by 23 handsome escorts in fashionable tuxes, a distinguished emcee directs a royal program, five judges evaluate speeches and impromptu responses, almost 100 dancing props are used and a whole lot of family members come to cheer and provide moral support?

Ok, it’s a long question, but if you answered the Daffodil Festival Queen’s Coronation, I’ll bet you have a 75^th anniversary Daffodil Pin on your lapel. Olivia Anderson, from Cascade Christian High School sure does. She was recently crowned the 2008 Daffodil Festival Queen and since this is Cascade’s first year to have a princess, it’s a double celebration for the high school.

If you’re wondering why I seem full of Daffodil Festival trivia, I have to admit I was bitten by the Festival Bug at a young age. This year I went back to my roots (or should I say bulbs) when I agreed to be one of the five judges for selecting a Queen. It was a surprise for me to learn that Roger Knutson was also one of the judges. I’ve known Roger for about 30 years. I taught his daughters, Colleen and Amy when they were princesses, and I’ve been out in his daffodil fields when the flowers are in full bloom many times over the years. Roger is one of the last local farmers to still grow daffodils.

It was fun to think up questions for the girls and my favorite was “If the Daffodil Festival’s primary purpose is no longer to promote an agricultural industry, why should it continue for another 75 years?” I think both Roger and I were surprised that every girl answered it should continue because it’s the only organization that unites Pierce County through community involvement. With over $50,000 in scholarships awarded to the Royal Court this year, I anticipated one or two of them would have said the college funding was important. Though I assume they each appreciate the financial support, it’s very revealing that their childhood memories and community involvement are actually what they valued most.

So I guess the question our communities need to ask is “Do we value the Daffodil Festival enough to ensure its sustainability?” Our children sure think we should.

So to all the Daffodilians, chaperones, float builders, band directors, car clubs, service organizations and sponsors, your efforts have made a difference. Know that you have made an impact on our children’s lives. And more importantly, they want it to continue for their children.

This year the Daffodil Parade is on April 12^th. I’ve bought some comfortable shoes because I’ve agreed to walk with the Sumner Community Float through all four cities. So mark your calendars and bring the family to watch the parade. I’ll be watching for you curbside with some of those daffodils Roger’s still growing.

Miss Patricia Ritchie Randall, the 1934 Flower Girl for the first Daffodil Festival Royal Court will be honored as the Daffodil Festival Grand Marshal and will participate in all four parades. Her memories of the 1934 festival can be viewed by clicking on her name.

Miss Olivia Anderson from Cascade Christian High School was crowned the 75th annual Daffodil Festival Queen during a coronation ceremony held at the Four Square Church in Puyallup. Miss Anderson was the first princess from Cascade Christian and when she was awarded the crown she stated "I just want to say how blessed and honored I am to be selected as Queen, I just can't believe I was chosen out of a group of such awesome young ladies".

Miss Anderson was one of 23 young ladies vying for the title of Queen and was awarded a $10,000 scholarship. She will represent the Daffodil Festival during the year and will participate in numerous parades throughout the Pacific Northwest.

This year the Daffodil Foundation presented $52,000 in scholarships with each of the princesses receiving a minimum $1,000 scholarship. The first runner-up, Anna Anderson, from Emerald Ridge High School, was presented with an $8,000 scholarship. The actual scholarships will be presented to the winners at the Queen Luncheon which will be held on Wednesday, March 19th, at the Elks Lodge in Tacoma.

Congratulations to Orting High School for winning the 2007 Daffodil Cup. Their total score was 3.88.

The Daffodil Cup is awarded annually to the High School Football Team with the best record among the schools that participate in the Daffodil Princess selection program in Pierce County. The awarding of the “Cup” is based on the season statistics and the GPA of the varsity football team. Awarding of the Daff Cup was instituted in 1998 as a way to expand the participating High Schools involvement in the Daffodil Festival.

The recipient of the Daff Cup is determined by combining the teams win-loss record percentage plus their fall quarter GPA percentage. The team receiving the highest score is the awarded the Cup.

The Daffodil Cup is an imposing artifact that is 2 ½ feet tall with beautiful combinations of brass and black on a walnut stand. The team name is engraved on the brass plate on the base of the cup. The Cup is a revolving cup, traveling from school to school, with the wining school also receiving a plaque to keep for their trophy case at the end of the year.

On November 26^th, Miss Amber Perez was selected to represent Mount Tahoma High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Perez was one of three candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Farewell message was given from 2007 Daffodil Princess Kristen Gabbard. Coordinator for the evening was Debbie Gabbard Mother of 2007 Princess Kristen. The Tiara was presented by 2007 Princess Kristen Gabbard.

On November 20th Miss Anna Anderson was selected to represent Emerald Ridge High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Anderson was selected from a group of nine candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Anderson's selection was exciting for her family because her sister, Cydney, was Emerald Ridge's 2005 Daffodil Princess.

Master of Ceremonies for the selection program was Mr. Troy Hodge and presenting Miss Anderson with her tiara was 2007 Daffodil Princess Erin James. Prior to announcing the selection Princess James spoke about her experiences representing Emerald Ridge during her reign as Daffodil Princess.

Entertainment for the the selection program was provided by the ERHS Chamber Singers.

Princess Candidate	Escorts
Ansley Tworek	Jacob Boudin
Shay Wilhelm	Dominque Waters
Heidi Osborne	Craig Gorder
Katie Mitchell	Brent Young
Symone Stout	Aaron Kovaleskie
Sarah Rasmussen	Austen Wiederspan
Kelsey Craft	Nate Wetterauer
Tiara Gero	Michael O'Bryant
Anna Anderson	Logan Bushnell

On November 19^th, Miss Tessa Grossnickle was selected to represent Orting High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Grossnickle was one of five candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

On November 15th Miss Lyndsay Moore was crowned Bethel High School's 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Escorting Miss Moore during the announcement program was Darren Dix. Miss Moore prepared a speech reflecting her thoughts on the 2008 Festival Theme "75 Years, Remembering Your First Daffodil Parade".

Following the crowning ceremony the Daffodil Festival held a reception recognizing Miss Moore.

On November 14th Miss Brittany Ward was selected to represent Clover Park High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Ward was one of five candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates gave a speech reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question. Master of Ceremonies for the selection program was Jeffrey Hurdus and the Clover Park Air Force JROTC presented the Colors. Presenting Miss Ward with her tiara were Jeffrey Hurdus and Tami Moffatt.

On November 13th, Miss Kelli Bornander was selected from a group of five candidates as Lakes High School Daffodil Princess for the 2008 Daffodil Festival season. Each of the candidates gave a prepared speech reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme. Lakes 2007 Daffodil Princess, Miss Jillian Morris, presented the tiara to Miss Kelli Bornander, and talked about her year as a Daffodil Princess.

Miss Alexandria Batdorf to Represent Henry Foss High School as Daffodil Princess

On November 8^th, Miss Alexandria Batdorf was selected to represent Henry Foss High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Batdorf was one of seven candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Farewell was given by 2007 Daffodil Princess Stacey Michel. Master of ceremonies for the evening was Hannah Parker 2006 Daffodil Princess from Henry Foss High School. Entertainment was provided by the Henry Foss High School Small Ensemble. The Tiara was presented by Henry Foss High School Principal Thu Ament.

On November 7^th, Miss Megan Jones was selected to represent Curtis High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Jones was one of three candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Farewell message was given from 2007 Daffodil Princess Morgan Garlock. Master of ceremonies for the evening was Ms. Patti Banks. The Tiara was presented by 2007 Princess Morgan and Ms Patti Banks.

On November 6^th, Miss Katie Berry was selected to represent Fife High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Berry was one of six candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Miss Janice Rim to Represent Franklin Pierce High School as Daffodil Princess

On November 5^th, Miss Janice Rim was selected to represent Franklin Pierce High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Rim was one of seven candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Farewell message was given from 2007 Daffodil Princess Latoya Tidwell. Masters of ceremonies for the evening were Rielly Byrd and Alison Callero. Entertainment was provided by the Wild Cards and Treble Makers, under the direction of Dr. Greg Vancil. The Tiara was presented by 2007 Princess Latoya.

Miss Lainy Hanson to Represent Spanaway Lake High School as Daffodil Princess

On October 30th Miss Lainy Hanson was selected to represent Spanaway Lake High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Hanson was one of four candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Miss Olivia Anderson to Represent Cascade Christian High School as their First Daffodil Princess

On October 29th Miss Olivia Anderson was selected to represent Cascade Christian High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Anderson was one of five candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Miss Anderson is the First Daffodil Princess to represent Cascade Christian High School. Entertainment for the evening was provided by “Shades of Blue” Girls’ Ensemble. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Mr. Scott Brittain. The tiara was pretended by Mr. Don Johnson, Superintendent of Cascade Christian Schools.

Miss Gloria Bleakley to Represent Graham-Kapowsin High School as Daffodil Princess

On October 25th Miss Gloria Bleakley was selected to represent Graham-Kapowsin High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Bleakley was one of eight candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Farewell message was given from 2007 Daffodil Princess Karen Rogers. Master of ceremonies for the Evening was Mr. Ryan Morris. Entertainment was provided by Small Jazz Ensemble of Graham-Kapowsin High School. The Tiara was presented by 2007 Princess Karen and Ms. Amy Low, Asst. Principal Graham-Kapowsin High School.

Princess Candidate	Escorts
Alyssia Rival	Kale Madsen
Gloria Bleakley	Donovan Snow
Jessica Becker	Allen Whitemarsh
Kassandra Wright	Samuel Wahl
Shannon Sperberg	Aaron Wright
Brittnie Shoemaker	Brian Sweeney
Tiffany Byers	Anthony Binion
Kylene Daschofsky	Travis Smith

On October 24th Miss Kate McKee was selected to represent Eatonville High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss McKee was one of four candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Farewell remarks were given by 2007 Daffodil Princess Gabrielle Baldwin. Master of ceremonies for the Evening was Mr. John Bratholm. Entertainment was provided by several students of Eatonville High School under the direction of Mr. Jason Hunter EHS Choir Director. The Tiara was presented by 2007 Princess Gabrielle and Mr. Garth Steedman, EHS Principal.

On October 23rd Miss Alysha Barry was selected to represent Sumner High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Barry was one of four candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

A farewell video was presented from 2007 Daffodil Queen Michele Woods, who was unable to attend as she is attending college at Boise State. Master of ceremonies for the Evening was Mr. Marshall Blansfield. 2003 Queen Angie Voiles shared her memories of The Daffodil Festival. The tiara was pretended by Debbie Woods, mother of 2007 Queen Michele.

On October 22nd Miss Sarah Martin was selected to represent Bonney Lake High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Martin was one of five candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Farewell remarks were given by 2007 Daffodil Princess Nikki Hicks. Mistresses of ceremonies for the Evening were Ms. Casey Knowles and Ms. Toni Stinnett. Entertainment was provided by the Bonney Lake High School Marching Band under the direction of Mr. Don Neptun. Ms. Becca Potter also sang for the crowd. The Crown was presented by 2007 Princess Nikki.

On October 18th Miss Jasrael Stokes was selected to represent Lincoln High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Stokes was one of four candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

A letter of Farewell remarks was read from 2007 Daffodil Princess Allesandra Jadwin. Mistress of ceremonies for the Evening was Ms. Venetia Ferris. Piano entertainment was provided by Duke Nguyen. The Crown was presented by Emma Brazell.

Miss Nicolle Thompson to Represent Washington High School as Daffodil Princess

On October 17th Miss Nicolle Thompson was selected to represent Washington High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Thompson was one of three candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Farewell remarks were presented by 2007 Daffodil Princess Vena Samoa. Master of ceremonies for the Evening was Mr. Erik Stanczyk. Entertainment was provided by the Washington High School Jazz Band, directed Mr. Ken Quehrn.

Miss Courtney Christine Price to Represent Wilson High School as Daffodil Princess

On October 16th Miss Courtney Price was selected to represent Wilson High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Price was one of eleven candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Miss Price was presented with her Tiara by Principal Dan Bessett, the Crown Bearer for the evening was Annalise Coleman.

Princess Candidate	Escorts
Courtney Addington	Roger Willis
Britta Asberg	Andrew Gilmore
Juli Bee	Christopher Trask
Kristyn Cunningham	DJ Babcock
Danielle Corcoran	Gilbert Sandoval
Alycia Kaeka	Chris Fitzgerald
Kjerstin Moren	Vanni Giulio
Courtney Price	Brady Ryan
Jessica Stults	Justin Macejunas
Alyssa Tachell	Panago Horton
Catharine Tracy	John Keay

On October 15th Miss Katie Potasky was selected to represent Rogers High School as their 2008 Daffodil Festival Princess. Miss Potasky was one of seven candidates vying for the title of Daffodil Princess. Each of the candidates prepared speeches reflecting their thoughts on the 2008 Festival theme and answered an impromptu question.

Providing entertainment for the selection program was the Rogers Jazz Band under the direction of Mr. Bruce Leonardy. Miss Luxi Salmon, Rogers 2007 Daffodil Princess, provided farewell remarks concerning her reign as Rogers Princess.

On October 11th, during a ceremony held at Chief Leschi High School, Miss Wahayla McCloud was named Daffodil Princess, for Chief Leschi HS and will represent her school and community during the 2008 Daffodil Festival season.

Attending the selection program were members of the Daffodil Festival, School Officials and family members. Presenting Miss McCloud with her tiara was Cheif Leschi's 2004 Daffodil Princess, Miss Sara Stafford.

On October 9th Miss Justine Gray was selected to represent Stadium High School as their Daffodil Festival Princess for the 2008 festival season. Miss Gray was among three candidates vying for the tile of Princess and was presented her crown by Miss Sanya Dhermy, Stadium's 2007 Daffodil Princess.

Master of Ceremonies for the selection program was John Marzano. A reception for the candidates and their families was provided by the Daffodilians.

On October 1st Miss Jessica Merrell was selected to represent Puyallup High School as their Daffodil Princess for the 2008 Festival Year. Miss Merrell was one of 10 candidates vying for the title of Princess during the selection program held at Puyallup HS auditorium. Each of the candidates gave speeches and answered an impromptu question before the judges retired to make their decision. Judges for the program were Karisa Roller, Dean Sidor and Lea Crouch.

Mistress of Ceremonies for the selection program was Ms Katia Clouse. Entertainment was provided by the Norselanders under the direction of Mr. George Guenther.

Princess Candidate	Escorts
Michelle Butcher	Kenn Amy
Julie Denberger	Brian Gearheard
Sophia Jones	Troy Elliott
Jessica Merrell	Rob Webster
Markee Murphy	Rob Slettvet
Maria Pham	Jordan Cockle
Sarah Spees	Alex Cockle
Corrin Vassey	Joe Boiles
Sara Wheless	Ricky Skinner

Local participating high schools well begin selecting Princesses for the 2008 Daffodil Festival season. The selections will begin on October 1st, with the Puyallup High School Princess Selection and end on November 20th with the selection of the Emerald Ridge H. S. Princess Selection. The 2008 Royal Court will be comprised of 23 Young Ladies from Pierce County area High Schools. This year the Daffodil Festival welcomes the Cascade Christian School of Puyallup to the Royalty program.

On September 29th the Daffodil Festival participated in the annual Autumn Leaf Festival in Leavenworth, WA. The Daffodil Festival Traveling Float was presented with the Burgomaster’s award or “Mayors" award & 1st place for Communities over 5,000. Royalty representing the Festival were Queen Michele Wood and Princesses Luxi Salmon and Kaitlyn Broberg. Walking with the float were Carol Gregory, Vicki Borovich, Darlene McCallum, Ron Simchen, Karen Baskett, Janice Wagenblast, Ray Levesque, J.P. Prizmich & Diane Hall. Carrying the float banner were Linda Cooley & John Botelho. Chaperoning the Daffodil royalty was Queen Mom, Carrie Swanlund along with her husband Steve & son Corbin.

Driving the Daffodil float was Kent Baskett with the assistance of the float crew witch included Brad Stevens, Roger Cooley, & Bruce Bleckert. Cheering us on from the balcony of the Enzian were Pam Phipps, Pat Sankovich, Arliene Jenkins, Marilyn Levesque, Fred Borovich, Jack & Sandi Angeline, Carol Whaley and taking all kinds of pictures, Glenn Whaley.

The Daffodil Float will make it's next appearance in Issaquah, WA, on October 6th, for the Annual Salmon Days Festival.

On September 14th during the Daffodil Festival General Membership meeting which was held at the Tacoma Yacht Club, the following Officers were selected for the 2008 Festival year. The 2008 slate of Officers are as follows:

President - Ron Simchen
Secretary - Karen Baskett
Treasurer - Bill Lewis
President Elect (2009) - Brad Stevens

A full listing of all Officers and Committee Chair positions will be posted to this site in November.

On August 11th the Daffodil Festival participated in the annual Astoria Regatta Parade in Astoria, Oregon. Members of the Daffodil Festival marching in the parade were Festival Presidents Carol Gregory and Vicki Borovich along with Daffodilians Dave and Sue Hudson, Joe and Nella Hawks and Pam Phipps. Also marching were Daffodil Royalty Chaperones Susan Hulbert and Kelly Thieman. Carrying the float banner were Diane Hall, J.P. Prizmich and Linda Robertson. Riding on the float were Queen Michele Woods and Princesses Erin James and Kaitlyn Broberg.

We won another “Grand Marshal” award, thanks to our great float crew. Thanks to Brett & Robin Delorm, who brought the float to Astoria. Our float crew for the weekend was Brad Stevens, Glenn Whaley, & Bruce Bleckert.

The Daffodil Float will make it's next appearance on Saturday, August 18th at the Milton Days Parade in Milton, WA, starting at 11:00. We are number 47 in the parade so please come and join us for this great day parade.

On Saturday, July 28, the Daffodil Festival participated in the annual Seafair Torchlight parade in Seattle, WA. An estimated 300,000 people lined the 2.5 mile parade route and the parade was televised on KIRO TV. The Daffodil Float was unit number 21 in the parade and was awarded the "Animation Award".

Brett & Robyn Delorm delivered the float to Seattle and our float crew of Glenn Whaley and Brad & Sherry Stevens spent a very long day making sure our float was ready for the judging and the parade. Riding on the float were Queen Michele Woods, & Princesses Kaitlyn Broberg, & Sanya Dhermy.

Marching with the float were Co-Presidents Carol Gregory & Vicki Borovich along with Daffodilians Rob & Connie Wekell, George Woodworth, Sandy Hust, Dave & Cressa Hauge, Mike & Bonnie Porter, Janice Wagenblast, Nella Hawks & our chaperons Kelly Thieman, & Susan Hulbert. Carrying the float banner were John Botelho , Diane Hall & J.P. Prizmich.

The Daffodil Traveling Float will make its next appearance at the Astoria Regatta Parade, in Astoria, Oregon on August 11th, 2007.

On July 21st the members of the Daffodil Festival participated in a rainy Capitol Lakefair Parade in Olympia, WA. Even with the rain those who stood along the parade route waived and yelled as our traveling Float moved along the street. Daffodil Festival Queen Michelle Wood along with Princesses Karen Rogers and Morgan Garlock continued to excite the crowd even though they were dripping from the rain.

Leading the 2007 Daffodil Traveling Float were Co-Presidents Vicki Borovich and Carol Gregory. Capitol Lakefair Officials presented Vicki with the "Presidents Award" as our float approached the beginning of the parade.

Daffodil's next appearance will be on Saturday July 28th at the Annual Seafair Torchlight Parade in Seattle, WA.

On July 15th the 2007 Daffodil Festival Float participated in the Kent Cornucopia Days Parade and was awarded the Grand Sweepstakes Award. Riding the float was Daffodil Queen Michele Wood and Daffodil Princesses Latoya Tidwell & Kalinda Nunnally. Chaperoning the Royalty was Kathy Uphaus. Carrying the float banner were J.P. & Dianne (Michele’s Grandparents and our newest Daffodilians). The float crew was Kent Baskett, Dave Robertson & Greg Edwards with Glenn Whaley, who dropped by to help set up the float. President Carol Gregory and Daffodilian Jackie Robertson escorted the float.

The Floats next appearance will be at the Olympia Capital Lakefair Festival on Saturday, July 21^st, 2007. The Parade starts at 5 PM. Daffodil is number 86 in the line up.

On July 4th members of the Daffodil Festival and the Festival Traveling Float participated in the annual 4th of July Parade in Eatonville, WA. The Eatonville parade was well attended and with the outstanding weather the parade participants and people along the parade route all had a great time.

The Daffodil Festival Float will be making it's next appearance on July 15th at the Kent Cornucopia Days in Kent, WA.

On June 30th the Daffodil Festival participated in the annual Fathom's O' Fun Parade in Pt. Orchard, Washington. Daffodil Festival members marching in the parade included Rob & Connie Wekell, Ron Simchen, Sue & Dave Hudson, Mike Kelly, Nella Hawks, Ron & MaryAnn Jensen and Festival President Vicki Borovich. Driving the Daffcart was Fred Borovich along with Pam Phipps. Carrying the banner, were Festival Chaperones Ruthie Bertrand & Elizabeth Moore along with Friends of the Festival member Linda Cooley. The Daffodil float crew was Glenn Whaley, Kent Baskett, Ernie & Steve Ouellette and Roger Cooley.

Riding the Float were Princesses Nikki Hicks, Latoya Tidwell and Jasmyne Walton.

The Daffodil Festival Traveling Float will make it's next appearance at the 4th of July parade in Eatonville, WA.

On June 23rd the Daffodil Festival participated in the annual Loggers Rodeo Parade in Buckley, WA. The Daffodil Festival Traveling float was presented with a 1st place ribbon and traveled along the parade route with many fancy big logging trucks. Royalty attending and riding the float were Daffodil Princesses Stacey Michel, Morgan Garlock and Kirsten Gabbard.

The Daffodil Float will make it's next appearance at the Fathoms O' Fun festival in Port Orchard, WA, on Saturday June 30th, 2007.

On June 16th the Daffodil Festival participated in the annual Strawberry Festival in Marysville, WA. Representing the Festival were Co-Presidents Vicki Borovich and Carol Gregory along with several Daffodilians and members of the Daffodil Royal Court. Royalty riding on the Daffodil Float were Princesses Myriah Johnson, Gabrielle Baldwin, & Lauren Edholm. Chaperoning the Royalty was Judi Nix and her husband Dan.

The Daffodil Festival Traveling Float was presented with the Grand Sweepstakes Award and was a crowd pleaser.

The Daffodil Traveling Float will make it's next appearance at the Buckley Loggers Rodeo Parade in Buckley, Washington on Saturday June 23rd. The Buckley Parade will begin at 10:00 am.

On Saturday, June 2nd, the Daffodil Festival Float and members of the Daffodil Festival family participated in the annual Forest Festival in Shelton, WA. Royalty riding on the "Daffodils & All That Jazz" float were Daffodil Queen Michele Wood and Princesses Lauren Flemming and Kaitlyn Broberg. Helping to carry the Float banner was Daffodil Princess Karen Rogers.

The Daffodil Float was awarded the 1st Place Floats Award (for Cities over 5,000 population) and the Grand Marshals (Sweepstakes) Award.

The Daffodil Traveling Float's next parade will be at the Strawberry Festival in Marysville, WA on June 16th.

On Saturday May 26th members of the Daffodil Festival along with the Daffodil Festival Traveling Float and Daffodil Royalty participated in the annual Hyack Festival in New Westminster, BC, Canada. At the start of the parade Daffodil President Vicki Borovich was presented with the Ambassadors Award for best float in the parade.

Royalty participating in the parade were Daffodil Queen Michele Wood and Princeses Karen Rogers, Jullian Morris and Stacy Michel.

The Daffodil Festival Float will be making it's next appearance at the annual Forest Festival in Shelton, WA on Saturday June 2nd.

On May 19th the Daffodil Festival participated in the annual Lilac Festival in Spokane, WA. The Daffodil Festival Traveling float was awarded the 1st Place Community A/B Award and the 2nd Place Torchlight Sweepstakes award.

Riding on the float were Daffodil Princesses Nikki Hicks, Vena Samoa & Kalinda Nunnally. Carrying the float banner were Princess Stacy Michel, Erin James, & chaperone, Lisa Gimmestad. Daffodil Presidents Carol Gregory and Vicki Borovich as well as other Daffodilians marched with the float.

The Daffodil Festival's next appearance will be at the Hyack Festival in New Westminster B.C., Canada on May 26th.

On Saturday May 12th the Daffodil Festival participated in the Annual Irrigation Festival in Sequim, Washington. Daffodil Festival President Carol Gregory was presented with the Grand Sweepstakes award for the best float in the parade. Riding on the Daffodil traveling float were Queen Michele Wood and Daffodil Princesses Allessandra Jadwin & Erin James.

The Daffodil Festival traveling float and Royalty will make their next appearance at the annual Lilac Festival in Spokane, Washington, on May 19, 2007.

On May 5th members of the Daffodil Festival and the Daffodil Festival Traveling Float participated in the annual Wenatchee Apple Blossom Festival and Parade. Daffodil Queen Michele Wood and Princesses Stacey Michel and Allessandra Jadwin rode atop the float and delighted the crowd as the float traveled along the parade route while Daffodil Princesses Vena Samoa and Luxi Salmon helped carry the float banner.

As the Daffodil Float approached the starting line the Daffodilians were presented with the Grand Sweepstakes Award.

On August 15th, 2006 The Daffodilians, Inc. received their 501(c)(3) status from the IRS. The Daffodilians have been working diligently for the past several years to obtain this tax status from the IRS and would like to thank everyone involved in making this happen. The new tax exempt status will help the Festival raise more funding for the Royalty and their educational opportunities.

Anyone wanting information about the new tax status please contact the Daffodil Festival Office at 253-863-9524.