1975

The 1974 float, prize-winner “Happiness is …a Thing of Beauty,” was rumored to be the city’s last, as difficulties recruiting volunteers, dwindling financial resources, rising costs of flowers, and the retiring of veteran volunteers needed to train newbie spelled disaster for the one of the oldest traditions in the Parade. But, of course, once again, the city somehow pulled a rabbit out of its hat, and the following year entered still another prize-winning float with “John Philip Souza: March King.” When a shortage of flowers jeopardized the completion of the float, South Pas residents went into their gardens with clippers and donated the needed blooms, putting another feather in the city’s cap, and keeping South Pas in the Tournament.

Excerpt from The SouthPas Float Story-2006 Official Souvenir “a History of Doing it Ourselves“ by Jim Taveres