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2007 Boat Parade
2007 Memorial Day Parade

Siuslaw Fisherman's Association

100th Rhododendron Festival
Grand Floral Parade - May 20, 2007

The SFA was in the Rhododendron Festival Grand Floral Parade for the third time.  We had a float for the first time.  It was overcast and drizzly to rainy for the entire parade but everyone had a great time.  The SFA float took second place in the Service Organization category.

Bud Saulsgiver did a great job in putting together our 1908 double-ender fishing boat with assistance from several other members.  Thanks to everyone who helped with the float, marched in the parade, gave out candy and manned our booth in Old Town.  You all did a great job and are very much appreciated.

Here are some snapshots and the description of the float that was announced from the reviewing stand.

John Martinez and Mark Lull carry the banner in the rain                                                   Photo by Eric Tanikawa

Bill Dietrich drove the truck and provided the musical soundtrack                               Photo by Eric Tanikawa

Longtime Florence fisherman Popeye is at the wheel of his 1908 double-ender fishing boat the Wakonda Auga with Olive and Sweetpea assisting.  As all of you already know, Popeye named his boat after Ken Kesey’s fictionalized version of the Siuslaw River from Kesey’s book, Sometimes a Great Notion.

Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

On the back deck, we find our lucky fisherman (Bud Saulsgiver) standing proudly next to his once in a lifetime catch – a mermaid (Jennifer Glover).  For those of you who are not familiar with international fishing regulations, we must point out that mermaid fishing is strongly regulated around the globe due to the rarity of these beautiful sea creatures.  Fishermen are limited to taking one mermaid per lifetime, and then only on a catch and release basis.  Because mermaids can live out of water for some time, and because so few people ever get to see a real mermaid, fishermen are allowed to show off their catch in their local community before releasing the mermaid.  Bud said that he will be returning her to her home water after today’s parade.  When asked, Bud refused to tell us when he will be departing or where he caught the mermaid.  “Mermaids always draw such large crowds and I think she has had enough stress,” he said.

Ralph "Bud" Saulsgiver as the fisherman and Jennifer Glover as the mermaid           Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

Ralph " Bud" Saulsgiver          Photo by Eric Tanikawa          Jennifer Glover                   Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

Ralph "Bud" Saulsgiver as the fisherman and Jennifer Glover as the mermaid           Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

Ralph "Bud" Saulsgiver as the fisherman and Jennifer Glover as the mermaid           Photo by Eric Tanikawa

Down the hill to Bay Street:  Shyann Waller, Shirley Saulsgiver, John Martinez, Mark Lull, Bill Dietrich (L-R) Hey Bill, Who's driving the truck?                                                                                           Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

Shyann and Shirley turn onto Bay Street                                                                         Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

A good view of our parade slogan                                                                                       Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

The float’s slogan, Reflections of the Past Illuminate the Future, Another 100 Years of Fishing, reflects the SFA’s commitment to bringing our historic fishing history back into our community.  Yesterday’s First Annual Siuslaw Fisherman’s Association Rhododendron Festival Boat Parade on the Siuslaw River, which had over 25 boats, revived the original tradition of a “naval parade.”  Watch for it to become a new – old tradition.

Final shot - Under the Bridge                                                                                                Photo by Mike Fitzgerald

With the recent awarding of 501 (c)(3) status by the IRS to the SFA – With a recent donation of $100,000 – And with the SFA’s award winning entry in the 100^th Rhododendron Festival Grand Floral Parade, The Siuslaw Fisherman’s Association has shown that they are here to stay and that they will achieve their goal of bringing the fishing boats back to Florence.

The Siuslaw Fisherman’s Association welcomes donations, new members and volunteers.  You can help bring fishing back to Florence by calling Bud at 999-1301 or Mark at 991-0137.  All donations and memberships are tax-deductible.

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