The Rose Parade is an opportunity for rivals on the Rose Bowl field to have a little cheer and marching rivalry in front of the 80 million people watching on the route or on video who won’t be at the Granddaddy of Them All. The band are loud and the cheerleaders extra enthusiastic as they pass grandstands full of fans from their universities. In between the two schools are the 2017 Rose Bowl Hall of Fame inductees, representing football greats of the past.
The 104th Rose Bowl Game on Jan. 1, 2018 was a hard-fought match between the Georgia Bulldogs and Oklahoma Sooners. Georgia pulled out a 54-48 victory in double overtime. The game was the College Football Playoff semifinal.
The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame pays tribute to athletes and coaches, and an occasional person of special significance, who have made outstanding contributions to the history and excitement of the game. This year’s inductees were Mack Brown (coach, University of Texas), Cade McNown (UCLA), Charles Woodson (Michigan), and Dr. Charles West (Washington & Jefferson). For more about them, read “Rose Bowl Hall of Fame 2017.” Inductees are honored with a plaque in the Court of Champions at the stadium.
All photos are copyright 2018, LB Monteros
Oklahoma Sooners cheer squad, with their pony mascot Boomer. Or is it Sooner?
Oklahoma Sooners “Pride of Oklahoma” Marching Band
Oklahoma Sooners “Pride of Oklahoma” Marching Band
Oklahoma Sooners “Pride of Oklahoma” Marching Band
Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, Class of 2017: Cade McNown (UCLA) and Charles Woodson (Michigan) in a 1933 Lincoln KA V12 Dual Cowl. The car has remained in the Pasadena area since it was first purchased. Current owner Howard Henkels bought it in 1948.
Rose Bowl Hall of Fame, Class of 2017: Mack Brown (coach, University of Texas) and Linda Nickens (daughter of Charles West) in a 1909 Pope-Hartford Model S Toy Tonneau owned by Howard Henkels.
Georgia Bulldogs cheer squad & mascot on the 2018 Rose Parade float.
Georgia Bulldogs cheer squad & mascot on the 2018 Rose Parade float.
Final words of the 128th Rose Parade from the Tournament of Roses and Santa Clara Vanguard Drum and Bugle Corps.
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.
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.
Where there are equestrians, there are pooper scoopers. There are dedicated Tournament of Roses volunteers all along the Rose Parade route who clean up after the horses, so the bands and outwalkers don’t have to tread in the muck.
I have wanted to share all the wonderful photos taken of the Rose Parade equestrians 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 details of breed and tack. I’m taking a shortcut and posting photo albums of the equestrian units that have not already been covered separately. Enjoy clicking through the galleries! For articles on other units, check out the our 2017 Rose Parade main page.
All photos are copyright Ramona Monteros
Out West
Wells Fargo Stagecoaches, Back Country Horsemen of California, Norco Cowgirls and Little Miss Norco Cowgirls, Valley Hunt Club, Los Hermanos Bañuelos, Union Rescue Mission, Budweiser Clydesdales, Sprit of the West Riders
Wells Fargo Stagecoaches, Los Angeles, Calif.
Wells Fargo Stagecoaches, Los Angeles, Calif.
Wells Fargo Stagecoaches, Los Angeles, Calif.
Backcountry Horsemen of Calif., Mid-Valley Unit, Sonora, Calif.
Backcountry Horsemen of Calif., Mid-Valley Unit, Sonora, Calif.
Backcountry Horsemen of Calif., Mid-Valley Unit, Sonora, Calif.
Backcountry Horsemen of Calif., Mid-Valley Unit, Sonora, Calif.
Backcountry Horsemen of Calif., Mid-Valley Unit, Sonora, Calif.
Backcountry Horsemen of Calif., Mid-Valley Unit, Sonora, Calif.
Backcountry Horsemen of Calif., Mid-Valley Unit, Sonora, Calif.
Los Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team
Los Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team
Los Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team
Los Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team
Union Rescue Mission - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif.
Union Rescue Mission - Los Angeles, Los Angeles, Calif.
Budweiser Clydesdales, St. Louis, Mo.
Budweiser Clydesdales, St. Louis, Mo.
Spirit of the West Riders, Leona Valley, Calif.
Spirit of the West Riders, Leona Valley, Calif.
Spirit of the West Riders, Leona Valley, Calif.
The Norco Cowgirls & The Little Miss Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team, Norco, Calif.
The Norco Cowgirls & The Little Miss Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team, Norco, Calif.
Valley Hunt Club, Pasadena, Calif.
Valley Hunt Club, Pasadena, Calif.
Serving Others
Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds, Victorian Ladies Riding Society, Mane Attraction Equestrian Drill Team, 1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment, Seven Oaks Farm Miniature Therapy Horses, California Highway Patrol, Santa Barbara County Sheriff, Philippine Scouts Heritage Society, New Buffalo Soldiers
Whether current or historic, several of these equestrian units honor those in uniform. Others ride for charity. The Mane Attraction has donated more than $3,000 to charities, primarily NDR Therapeutic Riding facility that teaches children and adults with disabilities. Seven Oaks Farm has several programs that benefit seniors in assisted living and Alzheimer’s facilities, foster communication between police and community members, greet travelers at the airport, interact with children in reading and anti-bullying programs, and visit Ronald McDonald House in Cincinnati.
Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds, San Diego, Calif.
Scripps Miramar Saddlebreds, San Diego, Calif.
Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society, San Diego, Calif.
Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society, San Diego, Calif.
1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment, Fort Hood, Kileen, Texas
1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment, Fort Hood, Kileen, Texas
1st Cavalry Division Horse Cavalry Detachment, Fort Hood, Kileen, Texas
Ooltewah High School Marching Band dressed as toy soldiers and carried balloons, kites, crayons, and gliders.
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 details of uniforms and identifications. I’m taking a shortcut and posting photo albums of the marching bands that have not already been covered separately. Enjoy clicking through the galleries!
These photo galleries contain images of marching units which have not been posted before. For articles on other bands, check out the our2017 Rose Parade main page.
All photos are copyright Ramona Monteros
Stripes & Honors
Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard & Composite Band; Escuela Secundaria Tecnica Industrial No. 3, Xalapa,Veracruz, Mexico; Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band; Gifu Shogyo Green Band, Gifu, Japan; LAUSD All District Honor Band; Bands of America Honor Band; US Air Force “Total Force” Band
United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard, Barstow, Calif.
United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band, MCAS Miramar, MCRD San Diego and Camp Pendleton, Calif.
United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band, MCAS Miramar, MCRD San Diego and Camp Pendleton, Calif.
United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band, MCAS Miramar, MCRD San Diego and Camp Pendleton, Calif.
“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
From Tournament of Roses reports –Mack Brown (coach, University of Texas), Cade McNown (UCLA), Charles Woodson (Michigan), and Dr. Charles West (Washington & Jefferson) will be inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame as the Class of 2017. The Rose Bowl Hall of Fame was established in 1989 to pay tribute to members of the Rose Bowl Game who have contributed to the history and excitement of the game, and those who embody the highest level of passion, strength, tradition and honor associated with The Granddaddy of Them All.
“These four individuals epitomize what the Tournament of Roses and Rose Bowl Game stand for,” said Tournament of Roses Football Committee Chair Brad Ratliff. “This class has exhibited strength, passion, tradition and honor in relation to college football, but also in making a difference in their communities.”
Usually I’m on the button side of the camera. Yesterday, I was the subject.
by Laura Berthold Monteros
It was a beautiful, move-to-California day at Tournament House yesterday, where I had the pleasure of being interviewed by composer and filmmaker Karl Preusser (behind the camera at left) for a documentary. Float is the story of how a self-built Rose Parade float gets from design to deconstruct, focusing on Burbank Tournament of Roses Association. Preusser and his wife have volunteered with BTORA for seven years, and he has recently moved up from the flower cage to learning welding. His wife served one year as decorating chair, a job that requires estimating and rounding up the botanical materials for a float.
Preusser had originally thought to do a sort of reality show, but he soon discovered that there is more camaraderie than conflict among the builders, which doesn’t make for a lot of drama. Competition for the float awards is tempered by the attitude that everyone, professional companies and self-built associations alike, have a shared goal of putting on a beautiful and entertaining parade. In many ways, the Rose Parade is still a hometown event.
Our conversation ranged over the history of the Tournament of Roses to the differences among various builders, the accommodations locals are willing to make to support the Rose Parade, and why it is such a special event. I like to talk, so it went on a couple hours, and I don’t envy Preusser the job of editing it down to a few minutes. His aim is to get the film ready to submit to the Sundance Film Festival by August. My piece was one of the last to fit in.
I don’t know that I had much original information, but I can opine on of what it is that makes the Rose Parade so exceptional, so enticing to 80 million viewers around the world and 700,000 along the parade route. When I interviewed R. Scott Jenkins, president of the 2014 Tournament of Roses, he talked about the Macy’s Parade and the huge balloons and Broadway acts. “What makes us unique in my view is floral-covered floats….That’s what puts us on the map.” I responded, “It’s that the Rose Parade has a soul.”
Self-built floats are entries that are designed and built entirely by volunteer organizations, or in the case of Cal Poly Universities, schools. Here are the six organizations that grace the Rose Parade every year:
United States Air Force airmen do rifle drills at Live on Green at the Pasadena Convention Center.
by Laura Berthold Monteros
Sorting through Rose Parade photos, we came across these snapshots from Live on Green, so we put together an album to share some of the sights. Live on Green was held on the three days preceding the 2017 Tournament of Roses Parade. It’s a place for folks to drop in while they are waiting for the big day, whether they are from the community or in town for the Rose Parade.
The event focused on the United States Air Force in celebration of its 70th anniversary. One of the halls in the Pasadena Convention Center was filled with Air Force displays and interactive exhibits for science and engineering. Another had beach volleyball and other sports, chalk drawing, and the Dole Whip booth. Music, entertainment, and celebrity chefs sharing their recipes were throughout the campus.
Representing the non-profits that enrich the community were Food Share, which collects food for its Ventura County food bank; Pasadena Humane Society, with the mobile adoption unit; Union Station Homeless Services, San Gabriel Valley’s largest social services agency; and ONE Archives Foundation from USC.
ONE has the largest collection of LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer) materials in the world. It was named after a magazine founded in 1952 specifically for the homosexual community. The archive has a collection of travel guides that lasted safe places for LGBTQ tourists to visit and stay. There are three million pieces in the collection, which make it a valuable resource for researchers. Some 720 used the collections in 2016, and 120 educational history panels are available to schools, non-profits, and community events.
Read the captions to the photos for more about what we saw!
Photo right: Mannequin members of the USC Trojan Marching Band and Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band guard the newly-minted Sweepstakes Trophy, given to the most beautiful entry in parade with outstanding floral presentation and design.
Live on Green—named for the street at right in the photo—provided entertainment and activities in the days before the 2017 Rose Parade. Fiesta Parade Floats created a mock-up of a parade float with pieces from previous floats.
Kids play beach ball volleyball at the Pasadena Convention Center during Live on Green.
Pasadena has one of the largest chalk festivals annually. These artists give a foretaste at Live on Green in the days before the 2017 Rose Parade.
This is some car! Sponsors are local Pasadena businesses.
United States Air Force airmen drill under the leadership of TSgt. Brian Kocher at Live on Green in the Pasadena Convention Center a couple days before the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade.
United States Air Force airmen drill under the leadership of TSgt. Brian Kocher at Live on Green in the Pasadena Convention Center a couple days before the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade.
United States Air Force airmen drill under the leadership of TSgt. Brian Kocher at Live on Green in the Pasadena Convention Center a couple days before the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade.
United States Air Force airmen drill under the leadership of TSgt. Brian Kocher at Live on Green in the Pasadena Convention Center a couple days before the 128th Tournament of Roses Parade.
TSgt. Roy Campos from Goodfellow AFB displays the gear military firefighters wear at Live on Green. It weighs 20 pounds, and the equipment is an additional 85 pounds. All firefighters in the military come through Goodfellow and are trained in structure fires, hazmat, and medical response. Their motto is “Train as if someone’s life depended on it, because it does.”
SSgt. John Stevens represented the Flying Tigers, stationed at Moody AFB, and had lots of decals and stickers for the kids. He said the Flying Tigers work to remember their heritage, which goes back to 1942.
Even an injured airman on a gurney needs his sock monkey! This section at Live on Green showed folks what a military medic does.
Science and engineering displays gave an opportunity for visitors to Live on Green to experiment and get hands-on learning.
Science and engineering displays gave an opportunity for visitors to Live on Green to experiment and get hands-on learning.
Airmen assigned to remotely piloted aircraft, such as this MQ-1 long-flying reconnaissance drone, do not display their names to avoid their becoming targets. The tailboards are oriented down to provide stability and the plane carries two missiles.
ONE Archives Foundation at USC has the largest collection of LGBTQ materials in the world. The name comes from the magazine one, which was founded in 1952.
The piece de resistance at Live on Green: raspberry pineapple Dole Whip, usually available only at Disney parks.
Pasadena Humane Society Mobile Outreach brings dogs and cats to the community. This gal is Kara, a two-year-old pit mix, handled by volunteer Bill Lambrith.
Wes, a five-year-old rat terrier mix, cuddles with volunteer Kelly Douglas.
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”→
