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1si Member Michael Gaddie of Lloyd’s Florist Receives Top Sweepstakes Honor on New Year’s Day

Michael Gaddie, owner of long-time 1si member Lloyd’s Florist in Louisville, Ky., was honored with a significant award in his industry on New Year’s Day. Michael, with assistance from a few family members and friends, was the chief professional floral designer responsible for decorating the float that won the highest honor bestowed on any float in the famed Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, Calif. Michael’s entry, the UPS Store’s “Stories Change Our World” float, received the Sweepstakes Award, which is presented to the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment. The float depicted a colorful tropical scene resplendent with tamarins, which are small squirrel-size monkeys, as well as birds, butterflies, fish and lizards.



Michael and his team also assisted heavily with preparing the General Society of Mayflower Descendants’ float for its appearance in the parade. The “Voyage of Hope” float, which honors the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower’s voyage in 1620, received the Americana Award for the most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions.



This marked the 19th year Michael, who is a certified American Institute of Floral Designers professional, spent the days between Christmas and New Year’s working on Rose Parade floats in Southern California.