American Honda presents spectacular opening show at the Tournament of Roses Parade, including a band and drill teams, the Theme Banner float, and the company’s own float. The crowd responds with loud cheers. First, though, is the contingent of Pasadena Police Department motorcycle cops, who do some fancy riding to get the folks warmed up, and the sound and pace cars. The show was especially rousing for the 128th Rose Parade, and is really best seen from the overhead cameras of KTLA. A post-parade video of the float is on YouTube.
As the parade finishes up, Wells Fargo takes the reins with a stagecoach and a patriotic performance that honors military veterans. In 2017, the entry focused on the American Red Cross’ assistance to veterans and their families. Coming at the official end of the parade is a mounted law enforcement group.
And then comes the “Second Parade,” a mass of folks organizing in what seems a spontaneous demonstration, but which is usually well-rehearsed so parade-goers will be entertained while the point is made.
For more articles on the Tournament of Roses, check out our 2017 Rose Parade main page.
All photos are copyright Ramona Monteros or Laura B. Monteros
Opening Show presented by American Honda
Almost ready for step off! The Honda sound truck and pace car lead the way.
US Air Force B-2 Spirit stealth bomber flies over the Rose Parade route.
Drones aren’t allowed above the Rose Parade route, but this bot slipped in.
Pasadena Police motorcycle officers lead off the parade and clear the route with some fancy riding.
American Honda flag corps and Pasadena City College herald trumpets salute the VIPs.
American Honda 2017 Ridgeline truck, driven by Tournament of Roses White Suiters, was the sound car for the Rose Parade.
The opening show drill team spelled out “Go Roses!”
With bouquets of roses, the American Honda drill team performs at the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2017.
Rifle drills add excitement to the 2017 opening show.
2017 “Echoes of Success” Theme Banner float, built by Phoenix Decorating Company, displays the poster art and carries a trio of singers.
The entire opening show cast lines up to begin the march along the 5 ½ mile Rose Parade route.
2017 “Echoes of Success” Theme Banner float, built by Phoenix Decorating Company, displays the poster art and carries a trio of singers.
2017 “Echoes of Success” Theme Banner float, built by Phoenix Decorating Company, displays the poster art and carries a trio of singers.
Chloe has at least one huge fan in the grandstands!
“Hope Blooms Forever” on the 2017 American Honda Rose Parade float. The structures on the float mimic origami creations. Flowers and butterflies were animated and the origami rose on top opened to release doves.
Life-size figures from feudal Japan are created for the annual “Chrysanthemum Dolls in Nihonmatsu” festival held each fall. Mike Abboud designed “Hope Blooms Forever” for Phoenix Decorating Company.
The Honda-TOMODACHI Initiative was represented by 20 high school students from the Fukushima prefecture of Japan, which was heavily damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011.
“Hope Blooms Forever” on the 2017 American Honda Rose Parade float. The structures on the float mimic origami creations. Flowers and butterflies were animated and the origami rose on top opened to release doves.
Representing rebirth and renewal, a phoenix rises among some of the 20 high schoolers from Fukushima prefecture of Japan, which was heavily damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami of 2011.
Closing Show presented by Wells Fargo
The Wells Fargo stagecoach leads members of the American Red Cross, which assists veterans and their families. Wells Fargo has hired more than 6,300 veterans over the past four years.
Marchers carried standards of the Marines, Coast Guard, Air Force, and Navy in the 2017 Rose Parade.
The Wells Fargo wagon carries a cloud of roses, gerbera, and mums in a patriotic display.
World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps brought its award-winning sound and precision to the closing show in the 2017 Rose Parade.
World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps brought its award-winning sound and precision to the closing show in the 2017 Rose Parade.
World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps brought its award-winning sound and precision to the closing show in the 2017 Rose Parade.
World Champion Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps brought its award-winning sound and precision to the closing show in the 2017 Rose Parade.
Final words of the 128th Rose Parade from the Tournament of Roses and Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps.
Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse from Bakersfield, Calif. helps to put some distance between the crowds and the entries at the end of the Rose Parade.
Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse conducts fundraisers throughout the year to help physically and mentally challenged children.
Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse from Bakersfield, Calif. is led by Sheriff Donny Youngblood.
Vintage patrol car from the California Highway Patrol. It’s nicer to see it in the Rose Parade than behind you on the freeway!
The big “Second Parade” demonstration in 2017 was a protest against the Dakota pipeline. The protestors are peaceful and most of the folks in the photo are parade-viewers headed for their cars.
The big “Second Parade” demonstration in 2017 was a protest against the Dakota pipeline. The protestors are peaceful and most of the folks in the photo are parade-viewers headed for their cars.
The big “Second Parade” demonstration in 2017 was a protest against the Dakota pipeline. The protestors are peaceful and most of the folks in the photo are parade-viewers headed for their cars.
The big “Second Parade” demonstration in 2017 was a protest against the Dakota pipeline. The protestors are peaceful and most of the folks in the photo are parade-viewers headed for their cars.
The big “Second Parade” demonstration in 2017 was a protest against the Dakota pipeline. The protestors are peaceful and most of the folks in the photo are parade-viewers headed for their cars.
The big “Second Parade” demonstration in 2017 was a protest against the Dakota pipeline. The protestors are peaceful and most of the folks in the photo are parade-viewers headed for their cars.
The big “Second Parade” demonstration in 2017 was a protest against the Dakota pipeline. The protestors are peaceful and most of the folks in the photo are parade-viewers headed for their cars.