← 1960 1961 1962 →

This float entitled "Blue Bird of Happiness" was entered in the Tournament of Roses Parade, January 2, 1961 by the Odd Fellows and Rebekah's, and took First Prize in Class "C" which is composed of Fraternal, Patriotic and Musical Organizations.

Riding the float is Miss Judy McCullough, who is a Theta Rho Club member in northern California. She is holding a Blue Bird that took one girl seven hours to cover with petals of blue corn flowers.

Judy is sitting on a bed of Vanda Orchids surrounded by lavender mums over a bed of 5,000 red roses. Roses also bordered the float. The sides and base of the float were covered with white and lavender mums. The umbrellas were covered with lavender mums and the streamers with vanda orchids and the doves with petals of white carnations.

About 900 hours of donated labor was furnished by Odd Fellows, Rebekahs Junior Odd Fellows and Theta Rho Girls. Their decorating produced a beautiful float which cost the Order $5,500.

Sovereign Grand Master Gene Bianchi, Grand Master Allen English, President of the Rebekah Assembly Nelle M. Mertens and President of the Theta Rho Assembly Bobby Vetters and Grand Patriarch Edward Christensen as well as other grand officers of California came to inspect and help in the task of placing flowers on the float.

Paul D. Bishop, PGP, Chairman of the Float Committee.