The South Pasadena Rose Parade float is coming together nicely – and according to volunteers is right on schedule for this year’s 2018 Tournament of Roses. Despite the fact that unseasonably warm weather has meant special treatment for the fragile flowers used to construct the facade, spirits were high and the volunteers were in high gear.
South Pasadena has been represented in the Tournament of Roses since 1890 when the original floats were florally decorated carriages and buggies. That makes the South Pasadena float the “oldest self built float” in the Rose Parade.
The South Pasadena float is a largely volunteer effort which sees members of the community help to complete the float preparations in a variety of ways. During this final week before the Tournament of Roses one can see dozens of South Pasadenans prepping flowers and seeds to be carefully placed on the float for its ride down Colorado Avenue on January 1st. This year’s Rose Parade theme is “Making a Difference”. According to the event organizers the theme is intended to honor people in our communities who act in selfless, generous and kind ways to aid or benefit others.
Volunteers are welcome to stop by the float site to help out. The South Pasadena Rose Parade float is built under a large tent structure located at 435 Fair Oaks Avenue in South Pasadena. There is also an end of the year fundraiser named the “Crunch Time Party”. This year’s party is to be held at 6:00 pm on December 29, 2017. The event features live and silent auctions, dinner, and an up-close look at the float during “crunch time.” Tickets are $40 per person and are available at the float construction site.
Wishing everyone a Happy New Year and hoping that you get a chance to see our wonderful South Pasadena Rose Parade float.
