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"Dixieland on Parade"

This beautiful float marks the 26th year of our participation, starting in 1955. Awarded 2nd Place in the Fraternal Division. With banners flying, done in petals and seeds of many varieties, it depicts a street scene with the band and queens and sightseers onthe sidewalks. On the front is the Dixieland Sextet from East Peoria, Illinois. These young people were sponsored by the East Peoria Odd Fellows Lodge. They are: John Jenkel, Leader; Steve Tucker, Don Decker, John Spinder, Mandi Dyke, and Nici Engst. The queens are Kelli Sargant, President of the Theta Rho of California; Sheri Moore, Del City, Oklahoma. The other riders are Jayne Mitchner, Grand Jr. Ruler of California; Beth Brittingham, Theta Rho from Wilmington, Delaware; Dean Marriott, Deputy Grand Ruler; and Julie Forrester, Vice President of Theta Rho of California.

With thousands of vanda orchids, roses, mums of different colors, onion seed, lentilseed, red ti leaf and other flowers too numerous to mention, it was seen by nearly3,000,000 people. A beautiful way to show Odd Fellowship to the public.

Robert Haynes, Chairman of the Float Committee.