The Sumner float will roll down Main Street in the annual Daffodil Parade April 9, crowds will show their appreciation and the float will pass into history.

What is gone in the course of a day is the result of months of planning and hours of physical labor from volunteers.

In charge of this group of dedicated float builders for the fifth year is Ben DeGeode, known throughout Sumner as the manager of Windmill Gardens.

DeGeode said planning the Daffodil Parade float is a natural fit for someone like him, who spends his days surrounded by flowers.

He admits the timing for the float preparation could be better, since it coincides with Windmill Gardens’ busy time of year, but he finds enjoyment in the project and respects the float’s significance.

“It’s a creative outlet for me and it’s important to the community to have that float,” he said.

A series of meetings are held to brainstorm the concept and this year’s group of approximately six volunteers are continues to meet and discuss the details. The float is to incorporate a theme called The Spirit of Adventure and incorporates activities in the region. The design includes a recreation of an old sign which directed people to Mount Rainier.

DeGeode said keeping the design from the start until completion is a major challenge.

Last year’s design was maintained well enough to qualify as one of the best.

“Last year was pretty close to a favorite,” he said.

Before the float starts heading down streets in the Daffodil Parade it gets the star treatment as it’s driven from Sumner to Tacoma with a police escort. Flowers are then placed on it as a finishing touch.

DeGoede said seeing the finished product in the parade provides a great feeling.

He jokes about how to deal with the pressure of being responsible for a time-honored tradition on display in front of thousands of people.

“Underpromise and overdeliver,” he said.