Port Commissioners Deanna Keller and Kristin Ang ride in a vehicle in the Grand Floral Daffodil Parade

The Port of Tacoma once again joined the community in celebrating one of Pierce County’s longest-running celebrations, the Daffodil Festival. 

Now in its 93rd year, the celebration includes three parades: the Grand Floral Parade, which travels through Tacoma, Puyallup, Sumner, and Orting, the Junior Daffodil Parade for children, and the Marine Parade hosted by the Tacoma Yacht Club. This year’s theme, “Bloom Where You’re Planted,” highlights local pride and community roots. 

The Port of Tacoma is an event sponsor for the Daffodil Festival. Port Commissioners Deanna Keller and Kristin Ang both rode in the Grand Floral Parade on April 4. 

A group of Daffodil Festival princesses post on a port terminal with an employee.

Another hallmark of the festival is the Daffodil Royal Court. Each year, 24 princesses are selected from high schools across Pierce County based on their leadership, academics, and community involvement. Throughout the year, the princesses serve as ambassadors at public events, school visits, and civic gatherings. 

The Port hosted the 2026 Royal Court for a special bus tour, giving attendees a glimpse into Port history, operations, and its impact on Pierce County. Princesses learned how the Port supports global trade and the local economy. They also learned about upcoming internship opportunities at the Port and The Northwest Seaport Alliance. 

“This was so fun,” said Princess Louise from Lakes High School. “I always see the big cranes and containers, but I never realized just how complex the Port is, it’s fascinating.”

A port employee helps a young woman in a Daffodil Festival sash weld in a maintenance shop.

During a stop at the Port’s maintenance facility, several princesses temporarily swapped their tiaras for face shields and protective gloves to practice welding alongside a Port employee. 

The 2026 Daffodil Queen, Annika, who is the first queen to come from Eatonville High School, said welding was her favorite part of the tour. 

“I’ve never welded before, and it’s a skill I’m probably going to need,” Annika said. “It was really fun, and my brother’s going to be very, very jealous when I get home.” 

The Port regularly hosts free bus tours for the community. You can view the schedule of upcoming tours and learn how to reserve tickets on our Bus Tours page.