In spite of showers on Saturday afternoon, last weekend’s 26th annual Daffodil Festival was a success, according to Denise Carter, special events supervisor for Gloucester’s department of Parks, Recreation and Tourism.

All of Saturday’s planned activities went off without a hitch, including the opening ceremonies, where Alyssa Crone was crowned the 2012 Daffodil Queen and the parade, as more than a dozen World War II veterans were honored as grand marshals.

"The parade, even with its limitations, went off beautifully," Carter said. Entries had to be limited this year and some other changes had to be made as a result of the Fox Mill Bridge replacement project on business Route 17.

"Everyone went crazy decorating their units and it was a great way to start the day," she added.

The first part of Saturday stayed rain-free, long enough for the parade and opening ceremonies to take place. "Between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m., I felt like ever...