I asked Wayne Christopher about the Origin of the Toy Soldier.

He wrote me back:

"I designed and built it as a TMCA project over a 9 week period for the 1991 boat parade, with the help of approximately 30 TMCA members.  It consisted of the 30' tall soldier, with rifle and one leg that moved in marching motion and a 25' tall guard shack.  There were  8,000 lights used which required 4.5 kv of power.  All who worked on the construction were on the boat dressed as Toy Soldiers the night of the parade and attended the awards ceremony the next day in Toy Soldier dress as well."

"This design gave "Midnight Shadows"  the "Jack Campbell Memorial Award for Best Overall" for the year 1991.  Of course, it was windy as hell that night and all of the decorations acted just like a sail.  Helen and I have a photo album documenting this whole process and would be glad to share it with TMCA."

"This marked the first appearance of the Toy Soldier.   The photographs of "Midnight Shadows" and the Toy Soldier were used  as advertising promotion for the next 4 years by the Parade Committee and the Clear Lake Chamber of Commerce. "

"This design was then modified the next year with a balloon instead of the guard shack and no gun.  This also resulted in an award, but I do not know what it was."

"The first "Best Overall" that I know about for TMCA was won by Gill Hales on the "Doxy", I think in 1989.  Unfortunately, I do not remember the theme.  He also won previous awards in the Boat Parade as Best In Class, but I don't remember the years."

Wayne & Helen
 

As you page through these pictures you will see the Soldier with a bugle as resurrected in 1996.