The Rose Parade is a grand and glorious pageant, viewed by an estimated 80 million people around the world. It’s also a small-town parade, with the Queen and Court chosen from local young women and six of the 45 or so floats self-built by local cities and a university. Most of the equestrian units come from the Southwest, but the bands come from all over the world.
The 2019 Tournament of Roses in photos and stories
With bands from all over the world marching in the 130th Rose Parade and performing at Bandfest, “America’s New Year Celebration” promises to live up to the theme “The Melody of Life.” The days before and after the parade and 105th Rose Bowl Game are filled with things to do for people of all ages and abilities. Locals and visitors can attend Bandfest, Equestfest, Decorating Places, Showcase of Floats, and Live on Green
The big events, of course, are the parade and game, held on Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2019. The Rose parade is a two-hour extravaganza of flower-covered floats, cars carrying Tournament of Roses celebrities, marching bands, and equestrian units. The Rose Bowl Game pits top football teams in “The Granddaddy of Them All,” the oldest post-season collegiate bowl game.
Whether you watch online, on television, or live in Pasadena, The Rose Examiner will keep you informed. This page will be updated as new articles are added. Subscribe for free by filling out the box at the top of the left column, and be sure to bookmark this page and return to it frequently! You can also follow “All Things Rose Parade” on Facebook.
With a story of transformation, the 2018 Singpoli American BD float “Rising Above” won the Sweepstakes award at the 129th Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2018. The float was designed by Charles Meier and built by Paradiso Parade Floats. It is Meier’s and Singpoli’s second Sweepstakes award, which is given for the “most beautiful entry, encompassing float design, floral presentation, and entertainment.”
Rose Parade theme banner float for 2018 in the last stages of decoration
by Laura Berthold Monteros
All the Rose Parade floats are so beautiful and creative that we thought readers would like to know more about them all. Here’s a list of all the floats that were in the 129th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2018, along with their designers and builders, and the awards won in both 2018 and 2017. This year’s winners are in bold.
Floats that did not compete in judging are presenting sponsor American Honda Motor Company, Tournament of Roses entries (theme banner float, the two football universities, Queen & Court), and Wells Fargo. For an explanation of the new awards for 2018, read “Rose Parade trophies get an update for 2018.”
129th Rose Parade Floats
Sponsor
Title
Builder
Designer
2018 Award
2017 Trophy
24 Hour Fitness
“Proud Sponsor of Everyday Athletes”
AES
John Ramirez
Crown City Innovation
Ag PhD TV and Radio
“Salute to Farmers”
AES
John Ramirez
Wrigley Legacy
AIDS Healthcare Foundation
“Keeping the Promise”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Art Aguirre
Lathrop K. Leishman
Amazon Prime Grand Tour
“Make Your Own Momentuum”
Paradiso Parade Floats
Charles Meier
Crown City Innovator
American Armenian Rose Float Association
“Armenian Roots”
Phoenix Decorating
Johnny Kanounji
Judges
Past Presidents
American Honda Motor Company
“Power of Dreams Express”
Phoenix Decorating
Michelle Lofthouse
Burbank Tournament of Roses Association
“Sand-Sational Helpers”
Self-Built
Catherine Glandeon, Fred Fraleigh
Founder
Cal Poly Universities
“Dreams Take Flight”
Self-Built
N/A
Past President
Founders’
China Airlines
“Caring for Our Sea”
AES
John Ramirez
International
International
City of Alhambra, CA
“Story Time”
Phoenix Decorating
Mike Abboud
City of Carson
“Honoring the Past – Envisioning Our Future”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Art Aguirre
City of Hope
“Transforming Our Lives with Hope”
Phoenix Decorating
Michelle Lofthouse
Isabella Coleman
City of Los Angeles
“Everyone Is Welcome”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Mike Abboud
City of Riverside
“25th Annual Festival of Lights”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Stanley Meyer
Golden State
City of Torrance
“Protecting Nature…The Madrona Marsh Preserve”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Art Aguirre
Mayor
Tournament Volunteers
Dole Packaged Foods
“Sharing Nature’s Bounty”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Stanley Meyer
Grand Marshal’s
Sweepstakes
Donate Life
“The Gift of Time”
Paradiso Parade Floats
Charles Meier
Theme
Theme
Downey Rose Float Association
“Working Together”
Self-Built
Jeff Shadic, Jason Redfox, Thom Neighbors
Queen
Governor’s
Farmers Insurance
“Red Hot Mascot. Seen it, covered it”
Phoenix Decorating
Dave Pittman
American
Grand Marshal’s
Kaiser Permanente
“Inspiring Healthy Communities”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Stanley Meyer
Kiwanis International
“Racing to Serve Children”
Phoenix Decorating
Michelle Lofthouse
La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association
“Panda-monium”
Self-Built
Renee’ Hoss-Johnson, Brianne Johnson
Bob Hope Humor
Bob Hope Humor
Lions Clubs International
“Preserving Our Environment”
Phoenix Decorating
Michelle Lofthouse
Lucy Pet
“Paws for Life”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Mike Abboud
Extraordinaire
Lutheran Laymen’s League
“Bringing Christ to the Nations”
Phoenix Decorating
Michelle Lofthouse
Miracle-Gro
“150 Years of Growing”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Stanley Meyer
Queen’s
Northwestern Mutual
“Letting Kids Be Kids”
Fiesta Parade Floats
Stanley Meyer
Animation
Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float
“Sacrifice to Serve”
Phoenix Decorating
Michelle Lofthouse
Director
Queen & Court
Fiesta Parade Floats
Rotary
“Planing the Seeds of Service”
Phoenix Decorating
Michelle Lofthouse
Princess
Princess’
Shriners Hospitals for Children
“Caring for Kids Around the World”
Phoenix Decorating
Cynthia McMinimy
Tournament Volunteer
Sierra Madre Rose Float Association
“Chivalry!”
Self-Built
Joanne Garcia (concept)
Fantasy
Mayor’s
Singpoli American BD
“Rising Above”
Paradiso Parade Floats
Charles Meier
Sweepstakes
Fantasy
South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association
“Booster Club”
Self-Built
SPTORA Design Committee
The Forum
“The Story Lives On”
Phoenix Decorating
The UPS Store, Inc.
“Books Bring Dreams to Life”
Paradiso Parade Floats
Charles Meier
Extraordinaire
Isabella Coleman
Theme Banner Float
“Making a Difference”
Phoenix Decorating
Trader Joe’s
“Hats Off”
Phoenix Decorating
Michelle Lofthouse
Showmanship
Tournament Special
Underground Service Alert of Southern California (DIGALERT)
“Be Your Own Knight,” the City of Torrance 2017 Rose Parade entry, won the Tournament Volunteers Trophy.
I have wanted to share all the wonderful photos taken of the Rose Parade by my daughter and photographer, but it’s been such a busy year that I haven’t been able to write them up with all the flowers and folks on the floats. I’m taking a shortcut and posting photo albums of the floats, bands, and equestrians that have not already been covered separately. Enjoy clicking through the galleries as they are added!
Captions indicate Trophy: Float Name, Sponsor; Builder, Designer. All photos are copyright Ramona Monteros or Laura B. Monteros
Trophy Winners
Going Places
BDK, A Singpoli Affiliate; Trader Joe’s, The Bachelor, Ragú, China Airlines, Farmer’s, Western Asset
Fantasy Trophy: “The Monkey King: Journey to Success” from BDK, A Singpoli Affiliate; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Fantasy Trophy: “The Monkey King: Journey to Success” from BDK, A Singpoli Affiliate; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Fantasy Trophy: “The Monkey King: Journey to Success” from BDK, A Singpoli Affiliate; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Fantasy Trophy: “The Monkey King: Journey to Success” from BDK, A Singpoli Affiliate; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Tournament Special Trophy: “All Aboard! 50 Years of Serving the Best….” from Trader Joe’s; Phoenix Decorating Company, Dave Pittman
Tournament Special Trophy: “All Aboard! 50 Years of Serving the Best….” from Trader Joe’s; Phoenix Decorating Company, Dave Pittman
Tournament Special Trophy: “All Aboard! 50 Years of Serving the Best….” from Trader Joe’s; Phoenix Decorating Company, Dave Pittman
Tournament Special Trophy: “All Aboard! 50 Years of Serving the Best….” from Trader Joe’s; Phoenix Decorating Company, Dave Pittman
President's Trophy: “Echoes of Love” from The Bachelor; Fiesta Parade Floats, Stanley Meyer
President's Trophy: “Echoes of Love” from The Bachelor; Fiesta Parade Floats, Stanley Meyer
President's Trophy: “Echoes of Love” from The Bachelor; Fiesta Parade Floats, Stanley Meyer
President's Trophy: “Echoes of Love” from The Bachelor; Fiesta Parade Floats, Stanley Meyer
President's Trophy: “Echoes of Love” from The Bachelor; Fiesta Parade Floats, Stanley Meyer
National Trophy: “Simmered in Tradition” from RAGÚ Pasta Sauce; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
National Trophy: “Simmered in Tradition” from RAGÚ Pasta Sauce; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
National Trophy: “Simmered in Tradition” from RAGÚ Pasta Sauce; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
National Trophy: “Simmered in Tradition” from RAGÚ Pasta Sauce; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
International Trophy: “Return to the Beauty of Taiwan” from China Airlines; AES, John Ramirez
International Trophy: “Return to the Beauty of Taiwan” from China Airlines; AES, John Ramirez
International Trophy: “Return to the Beauty of Taiwan” from China Airlines; AES, John Ramirez
Grand Marshal's Trophy: “We Came, We Saw, We Covered” from Farmers Insurance; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Grand Marshal's Trophy: “We Came, We Saw, We Covered” from Farmers Insurance; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Grand Marshal's Trophy: “We Came, We Saw, We Covered” from Farmers Insurance; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Grand Marshal's Trophy: “We Came, We Saw, We Covered” from Farmers Insurance; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Director's Trophy honoring Jacob Maarse: “Prosperity in the Wild” from Western Asset Management Company; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Director's Trophy honoring Jacob Maarse: “Prosperity in the Wild” from Western Asset Management Company; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Director's Trophy honoring Jacob Maarse: “Prosperity in the Wild” from Western Asset Management Company; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Director's Trophy honoring Jacob Maarse: “Prosperity in the Wild” from Western Asset Management Company; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Powerful Medicine
AIDS Healthcare Foundation, Donate Life, 24 Hour Fitness, Union Bank and the American Heart Association Western States Affiliate, Northwestern Mutual (promoting children’s cancer research)
Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy: “To Honor & Remember Orlando” from AIDS Healthcare Foundation; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy: “To Honor & Remember Orlando” from AIDS Healthcare Foundation; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy: “To Honor & Remember Orlando” from AIDS Healthcare Foundation; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy: “To Honor & Remember Orlando” from AIDS Healthcare Foundation; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy: “To Honor & Remember Orlando” from AIDS Healthcare Foundation; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
49 doves were released twice in remembrance of each person killed in the Pulse club. Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy: “To Honor & Remember Orlando” from AIDS Healthcare Foundation; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
Theme Trophy: “Teammates in Life” from Donate Life; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Theme Trophy: “Teammates in Life” from Donate Life; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Theme Trophy: “Teammates in Life” from Donate Life; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Crown City Innovation Trophy: “Do More With Your 24” from 24 Hour Fitness; AES, John Ramirez
Note the way the colors splash like paint across the figures. Crown City Innovation Trophy: “Do More With Your 24” from 24 Hour Fitness; AES, John Ramirez
Crown City Innovation Trophy: “Do More With Your 24” from 24 Hour Fitness; AES, John Ramirez
Crown City Innovation Trophy: “Do More With Your 24” from 24 Hour Fitness; AES, John Ramirez
Crown City Innovation Trophy: “Do More With Your 24” from 24 Hour Fitness; AES, John Ramirez
Judge's Special Trophy: “Keep the Beat Alive” from Union Bank and the American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Judge's Special Trophy: “Keep the Beat Alive” from Union Bank and the American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Judge's Special Trophy: “Keep the Beat Alive” from Union Bank and the American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Judge's Special Trophy: “Keep the Beat Alive” from Union Bank and the American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Judge's Special Trophy: “Keep the Beat Alive” from Union Bank and the American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Animation Trophy: “Waves of Hope” from Northwestern Mutual; Fiesta Parade Floats, Stanley Meyer
Animation Trophy: “Waves of Hope” from Northwestern Mutual; Fiesta Parade Floats, Stanley Meyer
Animation Trophy: “Waves of Hope” from Northwestern Mutual; Fiesta Parade Floats, Stanley Meyer
Community Projects
Downey Rose Float Assn., The UPS Store (promoting Toys for Tots), Rotary, American Armenian Rose Float Assn., La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses, Sierra Madre Rose Float Assn. (video here), Torrance
Governor's Trophy: “The Gold Rush” from Downey Rose Float Association; Self-Built, Thom Neighbors
Governor's Trophy: “The Gold Rush” from Downey Rose Float Association; Self-Built, Thom Neighbors
Governor's Trophy: “The Gold Rush” from Downey Rose Float Association; Self-Built, Thom Neighbors
Princess’ Trophy: “Doing Good in the World” from Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, Inc.; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Princess’ Trophy: “Doing Good in the World” from Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, Inc.; Phoenix Decorating Company, Michelle Lofthouse
Past Presidents Trophy: “Field of Dreams!” from American Armenian Rose Float Association; Phoenix Decorating Company
Past Presidents Trophy: “Field of Dreams!” from American Armenian Rose Float Association; Phoenix Decorating Company
Past Presidents Trophy: “Field of Dreams!” from American Armenian Rose Float Association; Phoenix Decorating Company
Isabella Coleman Trophy: “Books Bring Us Together” from The UPS Store, Inc.; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Isabella Coleman Trophy: “Books Bring Us Together” from The UPS Store, Inc.; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Isabella Coleman Trophy: “Books Bring Us Together” from The UPS Store, Inc.; Paradiso Parade Floats, Charles Meier
Bob Hope Humor Trophy: “Backyard Rocketeer” from La Cañada Flintridge TOR; Self-Built, Renee' Hoss-Johnson & Brianne Johnson
Bob Hope Humor Trophy: “Backyard Rocketeer” from La Cañada Flintridge TOR; Self-Built, Renee' Hoss-Johnson & Brianne Johnson
Bob Hope Humor Trophy: “Backyard Rocketeer” from La Cañada Flintridge TOR; Self-Built, Renee' Hoss-Johnson & Brianne Johnson
Bob Hope Humor Trophy: “Backyard Rocketeer” from La Cañada Flintridge TOR; Self-Built, Renee' Hoss-Johnson & Brianne Johnson
Bob Hope Humor Trophy: “Backyard Rocketeer” from La Cañada Flintridge TOR; Self-Built, Renee' Hoss-Johnson & Brianne Johnson
Mayor's Trophy: “The Cat’s Away” from Sierra Madre Rose Float Assn.; Self-Built, Richard Burrow
Mayor's Trophy: “The Cat’s Away” from Sierra Madre Rose Float Assn.; Self-Built, Richard Burrow
Mayor's Trophy: “The Cat’s Away” from Sierra Madre Rose Float Assn.; Self-Built, Richard Burrow
Mayor's Trophy: “The Cat’s Away” from Sierra Madre Rose Float Assn.; Self-Built, Richard Burrow
Tournament Volunteers Trophy: “Be Your Own Knight” from Torrance Rose Float Association; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
Tournament Volunteers Trophy: “Be Your Own Knight” from Torrance Rose Float Association; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
Tournament Volunteers Trophy: “Be Your Own Knight” from Torrance Rose Float Association; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
Tournament Volunteers Trophy: “Be Your Own Knight” from Torrance Rose Float Association; Fiesta Parade Floats, Art Aguirre
Community Pride
Dedicated Folks
Burbank Tournament of Roses Assn., City of Hope, Occupational Therapy Association of California, National Hockey League, Kaiser Permanente, City of Alhambra, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Assn.
Burbank Tournament of Roses Association “Home Tweet Home” Self Built
Burbank Tournament of Roses Association “Home Tweet Home” Self Built
Burbank Tournament of Roses Association “Home Tweet Home” Self Built
City of Hope “The Miracle of Science with Soul” Phoenix Decorating Company
City of Hope “The Miracle of Science with Soul” Phoenix Decorating Company
Occupational Therapy Association of California “Celebrating a Century of Occupational Therapy” Fiesta Parade Floats
Occupational Therapy Association of California “Celebrating a Century of Occupational Therapy” Fiesta Parade Floats
Occupational Therapy Association of California “Celebrating a Century of Occupational Therapy” Fiesta Parade Floats
Occupational Therapy Association of California “Celebrating a Century of Occupational Therapy” Fiesta Parade Floats
Occupational Therapy Association of California “Celebrating a Century of Occupational Therapy” Fiesta Parade Floats
National Hockey League, NHL “A Century of NHL Greatness” Phoenix Decorating Company
National Hockey League, NHL “A Century of NHL Greatness” Phoenix Decorating Company
National Hockey League, NHL “A Century of NHL Greatness” Phoenix Decorating Company
Kaiser Permanente “50 Years of Helping People Grow” Fiesta Parade Floats
Kaiser Permanente “50 Years of Helping People Grow” Fiesta Parade Floats
Kaiser Permanente “50 Years of Helping People Grow” Fiesta Parade Floats
Kaiser Permanente “50 Years of Helping People Grow” Fiesta Parade Floats
Kaiser Permanente “50 Years of Helping People Grow” Fiesta Parade Floats
City of Alhambra “No Call Too Small” Phoenix Decorating Company
City of Alhambra “No Call Too Small” Phoenix Decorating Company
City of Alhambra “No Call Too Small” Phoenix Decorating Company
South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association “Never Give Up” Self Built
South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association “Never Give Up” Self Built
Serving Others
Kiwanis International, Odd Fellows and Rebekahs, United Sikh Mission, Shriners Hospitals for Children, Lions Club International, Lutheran Laymen’s League
Just a few words about the Lutheran Laymen’s League float: The entry celebrates both the quincentenary of the Protestant Reformation and the centenary of the LLL. Celebrations have occurred and are continuing all over the world. For Lutherans and Reformed churches, the Three Solas inscribed on the bells—scripture alone, faith alone, grace alone—are foundational doctrines.
Kiwanis International “Children’s Dreams, The World’s Potential” Phoenix Decorating Company
Kiwanis International “Children’s Dreams, The World’s Potential” Phoenix Decorating Company
Kiwanis International “Children’s Dreams, The World’s Potential” Phoenix Decorating Company
Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Rose Float “Through the Ages” Phoenix Decorating Company
Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Rose Float “Through the Ages” Phoenix Decorating Company
Odd Fellows and Rebekahs Rose Float “Through the Ages” Phoenix Decorating Company
United Sikh Mission “Together We Rise” Phoenix Decorating Company
United Sikh Mission “Together We Rise” Phoenix Decorating Company
United Sikh Mission “Together We Rise” Phoenix Decorating Company
United Sikh Mission “Together We Rise” Phoenix Decorating Company
Shriners Hospitals for Children “Anything Is Possible” Phoenix Decorating Company
Shriners Hospitals for Children “Anything Is Possible” Phoenix Decorating Company
Shriners Hospitals for Children “Anything Is Possible” Phoenix Decorating Company
Lions Club International “Celebrating 100 Years of Service” Phoenix Decorating Company
Lions Club International “Celebrating 100 Years of Service” Phoenix Decorating Company
Lions Club International “Celebrating 100 Years of Service” Phoenix Decorating Company
María Eugenia Carrión, Bradley Kaye, and James Sutton will choose the 2018 Rose Parade float trophy winners
by Laura Berthold Monteros (from reports)
The three judges chosen by the Tournament of Roses to award trophies to floats in the 129th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2018 have impressive backgrounds in floral design, horticulture, floats, and pageantry, and they all fit the theme “Making a Difference.” The judges are María Eugenia Carrion, Bradley Kaye, and Jim Sutton.
They will award trophies to 24 of the 40-45 floats that participate in the parade using the updated award criteria for 2018, which include creative design, floral craftsmanship, artistic merit, computerized animation, thematic interpretation, floral and color presentation, and dramatic impact.
The 2018 Tournament of Roses President, Lance Tibbet said, “Being a horticultural professional, managing and owning a wholesale nursery, it’s an honor to welcome these professionals to the Tournament family. I’m excited to have these very talented members of the floral and design professions judge our floats this year.” He will announce the award-winning floats the morning of the parade on the front steps of Tournament House.
“Our Eyes Are on the Stars” was built by Fiesta Parade Floats for the 2014 parade to commemorate WASP service in WWII. It won the National Trophy. Eight WASP and 14 Air Force pilots accompanied the float.
by Laura Berthold Monteros
NOTE: This is a reposting of an article that appeared on Examiner.com on Jan. 9, 2014. It is being reposted in honor of the women who rode the float, all of whom have now taken their final flights.
When the Wingtip to Wingtip float passed the stands, Rose Parade viewers spontaneously stood to honor the women who undergirded the Allied air supremacy in World War II. “Our Eyes Are on the Stars” was built by Fiesta Parade Floats for the 2014 parade to commemorate the WASP (Women Airforce Service Pilots) units that were disbanded 70 years ago. It won the National Trophy for Best Depiction of Life in the USA, Past, Present or Future.
Out of several thousand applicants, 1,102 were chosen to fly military aircraft all over the United States. They ferried planes from builder to base, tested aircraft for the boys to fly in battle, and flew tow targets to train gunners. The WASP flew 77 different types of American military planes, including AT-6, P-52 and B-29, more than 60 million miles. Thirty-eight gave their lives.
It was 2011 when we first wrote about the California Grown credential awarded by the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC). The California Clock Company contacted us about their 2012 Rose Parade float celebrating their 80th anniversary and their most famous product, the ubiquitous Kit-Cat clock. They insisted on floral materials that were grown in California, and along with Cal Poly Universities, achieved California Grown status. In order to be certified, 85 percent of the floral materials on an entry must be grown in the Golden State.
By 2017, three floats and the Tournament of Roses vehicles carrying Rose Parade honorees, received certification, despite the years-long drought that plagued California agriculture until early 2017. The floats were Miracle-Gro “Everything’s Coming Up Roses,” Cal Poly Universities “A New Leaf,” and California Milk Advisory Board (CMAB) “Legacy of Generations.” We were able to attend the ceremonies at Fiesta Parade Floats for Miracle-Gro and CMAB, but there are photos of all the honorees below, along with links to more extensive articles on the Tournament of Roses entries.
Lance Tibbet, president of the 129th Tournament of Roses, presented the just-issued Sweepstakes cup to Dole Packaged foods for its 2017 float, “Spirit of Hawaii.” L-R, Dole Packaged Foods Pres. Brad Bartlett, VP Marketing David Spare, Fiesta Parade Floats Pres. Tim Estes, and Tibbet. All photos copyright LB Monteros
by Laura Berthold Monteros
With an unprecedented run of garnering the prestigious Tournament of Roses Sweepstakes award for six of the last seven years, Dole Packaged Foods had another first on Tuesday when the company was presented with the new silver Sweepstakes cup. The award was for the 2017 Rose Parade entry “Spirit of Hawaii,” a gorgeous tribute to the Dole relationship with that state. Lance Tibbet, president of the 129th Tournament of Roses that will be held on Jan. 1, 2018, made the presentation at DPF headquarters in Westlake Village.
Vice President of Marketing David Spare used the occasion to announce that Dole will sponsor an eighth entry in the 2018 parade, which has the theme “Making a Difference.” He said, “The theme is terrific and timely, and fits with the things Dole is doing [to help people] along the way.” The goal is always to create the most beautiful float possible, he said, praising the contribution
This Sweepstakes Trophy is the first actual cup in decades to be awarded. The Tournament of Roses logo and name of sponsor, float, and builder are on the front. On the back is a medallion of roses.
s of Tim Estes, president and Jim Hynd, VP and floral director of Fiesta Parade floats, as well as the Dole associates who decorate the float.
Brad Bartlett, president of Dole Packaged Foods, said he is humbled to be presented with the Sweepstakes Trophy. “We’re proud to be a part of the Tournament of Roses,” he said. “A brand is difficult to maintain over 129 years. We’re 166 years old. It fits very well with who our company is.”
A trophy in hand
Float sponsors have not been given actual trophies for many decades, so the reinstatement of the Sweepstakes cup was quite an event. The award is for “most beautiful entry, encompassing float design, floral presentation, and entertainment.” Tibbet said the Tournament decided to have a tangible trophy “because in everybody’s mind, the Sweepstakes Continue reading “Dole Packaged Foods presented with Sweepstakes cup for 2017 Rose Parade entry”→
“Soar Beyond Imagination” by Netflix won the Craftsman Trophy in the 2017 Rose Parade. It depicted images from the film The Little Prince.
by Laura Berthold Monteros
Dole Packaged Foods once again won the Sweepstakes Trophy for “most beautiful entry in parade with outstanding floral presentation and design,” its sixth in seven years of Rose Parade participation. Newcomer Netflix took home the Craftsman Trophy for “exceptional achievement in showmanship and dramatic impact for floats longer than 55 feet” with a two-part creation in the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 2, 2017, “Echoes of Success.”
Be sure to check out the gallery below for detailed descriptions of flowering and riders.
“Soar Beyond Imagination,” designed by John Ramirez and built by AES, was essentially a promotion for The Little Prince, a family-friendly feature produced for Netflix. The float reflected the charm of the book on which the film was based and the whimsy of the film. The front float
“Spirit of Hawaii” by Dole Packaged Foods won the Sweepstakes Trophy, the sixth for Dole. The volcano shot real 20-foot flames and emitted smoke, and steam, and look closely for the fire Pele holds in her hands.
presented the Little Prince on his personal planet with his beautiful red rose. The second float is straight from the movie, with the aviator from the book now an aged man, living with his memories. The theme was chosen “because success and imagination are inextricably linked,” Netflix says, “And, of course, you can’t ignore that a main character in The Little Prince is The Rose!”
“Spirit of Hawaii,” like previous Dole Packaged Foods floats, honors the places where Dole products are grown. Many of the materials used in the decoration came from Hawaii, including the fresh leis and head leis for the dancers, drummers, and riders. Designed by Stanley Meyer and built by Fiesta Parade floats, the float celebrated the history and legend of Hawaii with a 10-foot copy of the statue of King Kamehameha, bedecked with fresh leis, and the fire goddess and creator Pele holding flames in her hands. A 28-foot-tall working volcano and several waterfalls, including a 10-foot-wide cascade, created excitement. Unfortunately, the waterworks were not running as it went by camera corner. For more about Dole, including interviews, read “Dole Packaged Foods give employees a taste of Hawaii.”
All photos are copyrighted. Contact Administrator for permissions.
Nestled in clouds of 8,000 iris, 3,000 carnations, and 300 bunches of gypsophila were Asteroid B612 and other “planets” from The Little Prince, inhabited by The King and The Businessman. The Aviator’s plane, decorated in silverleaf, ground orange lentil and onion and cranberry seed, is flown by The Little Girl. The plane rocked back and forth and the propeller rotated.
Thousands of branches, leaves, and grasses were used on the rear float, along with 500 square feet of sod to create the rather ill-kempt yard of The Aviator on the Netflix float “Soar Beyond Imagination.” The weather vane on the roof spun.
The Aviator’s home is a combination of lettuce seed, crushed walnut shells, poppy seed and pepper, with accents of carnation petals, lunaria, cut statice and ground split pea.
Asteroid B612, the home of The Little Prince, was created with more than 10,000 pink, hot pink, lavender and white roses. The Prince and The Rose were overheight and dropped down into the planet to avoid overpasses and wires.
Mark Osborne, who directed the Netflix film, and his son Riley, who voiced The Little Prince, sit on a bench in front of a tree with a paper bark trunk and canopy of magnolia branches. The garden overflows with tulips, amaryllis, daffodils, hyacinth, daisies, and snapdragons. Snuggling with them is The Fox doll from the film.
The Aviator from the film The Little Prince waves from his perch. Behind him is the telescope he uses to stargaze, and to “Soar Beyond Imagination.” Greasy prints on his costume indicate he’s been working on his plane. The Aviator bears quite a resemblance to his voice actor, Jeff Bridges.
Sea turtles frolic in floral waters and colorful parrots perch overhead on “Spirit of Hawaii” by Dole Packaged Foods. Beneath a canopy of 10,000 purple dendrobium orchids and specialty carnations, a 10-foot-wide waterfall flowed. Gardens of 20,000 hot pink Topaz roses and thousands of anthuriums, cypripedium, and vanda orchids created a lush paradise, along with Kimi, Curcuma and Torch ginger, King and Pink Mink protea, Angusta, Bihia, Lobster Claw, Sexy Pink, Pagoda and fuzzy King Kong hanging heliconia.
Pele, the goddess of fire, lightning, wind, and volcanoes and creator of the Hawaiian Islands. rose to a height of 16 feet from the mist of the tropical gardens. The cups in her hands filled with fire. Lava was created with 8,000 vivid florescent orange roses.
Three Pahu drummers kept the beat for the six dancers on the float and another 10 on the street, performing a fusion of traditional and modern Pacific dances.
Sitting in the center is Bonnie Atmore, President & CEO, FOOD Share, part of Feeding America. FOOD Share is Dole Packaged Foods’ non-profit partner for the 2017 Rose Parade. Dole collected non-perishable items at its headquarters and the float barn during the Rose Parade season. Food on the float included bananas, pineapples and mangoes grown and provided by Dole Packaged Foods.
Sculptured Cattleya and Phalaenopsis orchids, hanging heliconia, colorful yellow hibiscus (the state flower of Hawaii), and a lei of dainty sculptured plumeria frame graced the Dole float. Ten dancers performed a fusion of traditional and modern Pacific dances.
