October 19 - Maryfest has been invited back for a fourth trip to the Holiday Bowl Big Balloon Parade in San Diego, California on Thursday, December 30th, 2004!

Maryfest President Jodi Hiatt confirmed that the Strawberry Festival's traveling float will be appearing in the grand parade as part of the Holiday Bowl festivities during the holiday season. "We are excited to have received this honor once again and to represent the Northwest at this prestigious parade!" Hiatt remarked. "What a great way to end the parade season, spending our winter break in San Diego!" she added.

Holiday Bowl Parade Chairperson, Shaun Copans presented the offer earlier in the month and made similar offers to the Puyallup Community float (tenth year) and to the Daffodil Festival float (second year). "Not only are these three floats and their committees great representatives from their respective communities - but they are GREAT representatives from the Great Northwest! These floats have won nearly every major Sweepstakes Award (10+) this year in their travels and we are proud to offer them these invitations," Copans said. "They will join parade entrants from all over the United States to show Southern Californians how communities celebrate their festivals in their part of the country."

Traveling Float Chairperson Carol Kapua will be making her fourth trip to sunny Southern California for the parade as part of the contingent. "We have such a great time in San Diego....from the sites...to the food...to the parade.....and even to the football game - especially if the Cougars are in it!" she exclaimed. "The parade route is so beautiful as it follows the waterfront and ends in the Seaport Village area" Kapua mentioned.

The Pacific Life Holiday Bowl is a year-round festival organization with the highlight event being the football game played the same day as the parade.