April 10, 2010 started out cold and windy, but spirits were high and smiles were warm as dancers waited for the Daffodil Parade to begin. It was the coldest start in memory, but as the day progressed it warmed up and we were grateful that it didn’t rain. This was the 11^th year for the Rainier Council Parade Float to participate in the Daffodil, and the 32nd parade that the float has been in since the Council took ownership in 2000. This year, the float received first place in its category. “Thank you!” to all who arrived early in the morning to dance onboard during judging. As the Float Manager, Steve MacKay often says, “The float is nothing without the people that are willing to help promote dancing.”

The day starts in Tacoma, continues in Puyallup, races onward to Sumner and then finally ends in Orting.

This year, callers Kenny Freeman and Leo Catt warmed up the dancers in Tacoma, Greg Weber kept them moving through Puyallup, Andy Garboden called in Sumner, and energetic Brett Kappenman livened up the last leg of the parade in Orting. The crowds gave the float and dancers a warm reception, lots of smiles and friendly applause. Thank you, Rainier Council Dancers and the greater Tacoma community for your support!

All dancers--students as well as experienced angels--are invited to the Enumclaw Expo Center (formerly Pete's Pool) at 6:30 p.m. on Thursdays to help with country dance lessons. The students are special-needs young adults from the Auburn/Enumclaw area. Tom Tomlinson and Steve Haslett teach the enthusiastic students square dancing, Virginia Reel, and other forms of country dance. The number of angels has been declining, and more volunteers are needed to keep this fun and rewarding activity going. The Enumclaw Expo Center is at 45224 284th Ave SE (on Hwy 410 at the edge of the King Co. Fairgrounds).