Elizabeth BoatmanWhat better way to start the new year than taking the train to Pasadena to see view the 2020 Rose Parade floats? Between the parade and the football game, one wouldn’t think anyone would visit the Showcase of Floats. Think again. People were eager to see these creations up close.
Whimsy
All the floats stressed the Power of Hope, this year’s Rose Parade theme. Some were obvious; others offered a playful appeal to the future. One such was from the Kiwanis.
The photo above is just a tiny section of the float, but it gives a good example of the whimsy displayed. The float was created by Fiesta Parade Floats.
Another joyful float came from Northwestern Mutual. It is titled “Spending Your Life Living.”
These happy llamas are vacationing on the Llazy River. Once again, this float is created by Fiesta Parade Floats. It contains 20,000 blue irises, white roses and dendrobium orchids for the water. White coconut chips shape the waves. The float won the Fantasy Award for outstanding display of fantasy and imagination.
Volunteers
You can’t have Rose Parade floats without people. Some cities build their floats. Others hire builders like Fiesta Parade Floats or Phoenix Decorating Company. It doesn’t matter. It all comes down to volunteers.
Some are young, and others have been volunteering for years.
All these volunteers were eager to explain the story of their float, how it’s driven, and how many hours it took to make it. Float viewing is an eye-opening experience!
Tradition
The rose parade floats make people happy. The crowds gather by the thousands to stroll Washington and Sierra Madre Boulevard. Everyone wants to get a close-up view. They’ve seen the parade on television since childhood. This Showcase of Floats is a great way to take one’s time, and take a few family photos, too.
City of Alahambra, Hope Keeps Us Going, built by Phoenix Decorating Company
Who wouldn’t want a picture in front of this train? I always tell myself I’ll show some dignity, but in the end I take far too many photos, including family shots with our favorite rose parade floats.
Tips
- The Rose Parade float viewing isn’t free. Be prepared to purchase tickets.
- Pasadena is on lockdown New Year’s Day. Allow time to park and walk or grab a shuttle.
- The Tournament of Roses website is your best source for information.
- Food stalls are everywhere along the viewing route. One can also buy souvenirs.
- Wear comfortable shoes. There are a lot of floats, and you’ll walk over two miles.
As I said above, I took a lot of photos. To see more of my images, please click here.
Add comment