Fukuoka, Japan, Oct. 23, 1960: Miss Itazuke Airbase, Kenniekay McDaniel (center), Cecile Schneringer (left) and Pat Bomar wave to the crowds during the Hakata Okunchi Festival parade. The three American high school students and the Itazuke air base High School Band were entries in the Hakata Okunchi parades Saturday and Sunday, October 22 and 23, 1960.

The two-day festival dates back to feudal days and gives thanks to the gods for Autumn’s harvest, with the parades starting at the Kushida Shrine, dedicated to Hakata’s Shinto deities Ohata Omikami (Kushida Omikami), Amaterasu Omikami , and Susanoo Omikami (Gion Omikami).

Ms. McDaniel, stepdaughter of M/Sgt. and Mrs. Frank Clark won the coveted crown in the July 4th contest; Ms. Schneringer, daughter of Capt. and Mrs. Lester E. Schneringer, and Ms. Bomar, daughter of Maj. and Mrs. Wayne Bomar were runners-up.

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