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Rose Parade

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Logo which is a red rose with a green stem and the words Pasadena Tournament of Roses written around it in circular form.

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Parade Lineup
A DISCOVERING PASADENA RESOURCE
This shows the lineup for the rose parade.

Parade Route Times
A DISCOVERING PASADENA RESOURCE
This PDF, shows expected start times at locations along the parade route.

Rose Court
A DISCOVERING PASADENA RESOURCE
The selection process has begun for the next rose court.  Get the latest news on this event.

Floats
A DISCOVERING PASADENA RESOURCE
See the current status of the floats as they are being prepared for the parade.

128th Tournament Of Roses Parade 2017 - In The News

Your 2017 Rose Parade Grand Marshals are Olympic athletes Allyson Felix, Greg Louganis and Janet Evans
The Rose Parade picked a team of Olympic athletes to ride down Colorado Boulevard on Jan. 2 as the 2017 grand marshals of the 128th Rose Parade.  (11/3/2016) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

127th Tournament Of Roses Parade 2016 - In The News

Rose Parade: San Gabriel resident is ready as Tournament President
The San Gabriel resident is beginning his own after being confirmed as the 2015-16 Tournament President Thursday night and announcing the theme for the 127th Rose Parade - “Find Your Adventure.”  (1/17/2015) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

“Find Your Adventure” is 2016 Rose Parade theme, Matthiessen confirmed as 2016 President
Following the confirmation of Mike Matthiessen as president of the 2015-16 Tournament of Roses Thursday night, the theme for the 127th Rose Parade, presented by Honda, was also announced ­— “Find Your Adventure.”  (1/15/2015) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

126th Tournament Of Roses Parade 2015 - In The News

Family will represent Louis Zamperini at 2015 Rose Parade
Former Olympian and World War II hero Louis Zamperini, who died shortly after being named grand marshal of the 2015 Rose Parade, will be represented by his family at the annual New Year’s celebration in Pasadena. (10/6/2014) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

Tournament of Roses says they are ‘committed to honoring’ Louis Zamperini who was picked to be 2015 Grand Marshal
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses released a statement saying they are “committed to honoring” Louis Zamperini who has died at age 97 and was chosen in May to be 2015 Rose Parade Grand Marshal. (7/3/14) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

Unbroken Director Angelina Jolie Speaks about Louis Zamperini
Angelina Jolie is the director of a biopic on Louis Zamperini called "Unbroken:  A World War II Story of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption" which is scheduled for a December release by Universal. (7/3/14) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

2015 Rose Parade Grand Marshal Has Died
Torrance icon Louis Zamperini, the Olympic speedster and World War II hero whose personal story of sacrifice and resilience resonated worldwide, died on July 3rd, just months before he was hoping to see the long-awaited film about his life and serve as grand marshal of the Rose Parade. He was 97. (7/3/14) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

American Armenian float to debut in 2015 Rose Parade
The American Armenian Rose Float Association (AARFA) unveiled their first float for the 126th Tournament of Roses Parade June 21 at a fundraising event in Pasadena. (6/30/2014). Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

2015 Rose Parade Grand Marshal
Louis Zamperini the track star and World War II prisoner of war ran for Torrance and USC, fought for the United States and devoted the rest of his life to helping -- and inspiring -- others. (5/9/14) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

2015 Rose Parade president takes helm; ‘Inspiring Stories’ will be theme
Richard Chinen was named the 2015 president of the Tournament of Roses in a ceremony Thursday, January 17th. He will lead the 126th Rose Parade and 101st Rose Bowl Game on New Year's Day. The theme of the parade will be "Inspiring Stories." (1/17/2014) Courtesy of Pasadena Star News.

125th Tournament Of Roses Parade 2014 - In The News

Report: 2013 Rose Parade generated $306 million in Los Angeles County
An independent report showed the 2013 Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game generated more than $306 million in economic benefits for Los Angeles County.  The direct and indirect benefits from the parade and football game are equivalent to 3,150 full-time jobs. (10/11/2013) Courtesy of Pasadena Star News.

Tournament of Roses Unveils 100th Rose Bowl Game Plaque at Rose Bowl Stadium
The plaque, which is located in the Court of Champions, was presented by Jenkins to Pasadena Mayor Bill Bogaard in front of a select group of guests which included leaders from the Pasadena community and Tournament of Roses volunteers. (9/24/2013) Courtesy of Pasadena Star News.

Dodger announcer Vin Sculley named Rose Parade Grand Marshal
When his Rose Parade float turns onto Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day, the roar of the crowd just might take Vin Scully back to his childhood. (9/4/2013) Courtesy of Pasadena Star News.

Burbank Bob Home Airport Designated the "Official Airport of the Rose Bowl"
The marketing agreement provides the Authority with Rose Bowl Stadium sponsor status and logo use as “The Official Airport of the Rose Bowl Stadium;” fixed year-round signage on the premises; permanent presence on the Rose Bowl Stadium website; inclusion in all print publications, and a social media promotion targeted at inbound travelers from across the United States, “The Ultimate Trip for 2 to the Rose Bowl on January 1st.” (5/14/2013) Courtesy of Pasadena Now.

Tournament of Roses Unveils New Logo and Trophy to Commemorate 100th Rose Bowl
The Tournament of Roses along with its partners, the Big Ten and Pac-12 Conferences, and the Bowl Championship Series unveiled a series of new programs including a new logo and modifications to the champion’s trophy to commemorate the 100th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO. (4/23/2013) Courtesy of Pasadena Now.

Band Line-up for 2014 Rose Parade announced
This is a listing of the 18 bands that have been chosen for the 125th Rose Parade.  The total number is down from 23 in the previous year. (2/20/13) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

The theme for the 125th Rose Parade is "Dreams Come True"

The theme for the 125th Tournament of roses parade which is "Dreams Come True" and depicts a large red rose with a sunburst background and the dates 1890 and 2014.  The Rose Parade is presented by Honda.

New Tournament of Roses president promises an even 'more entertaining parade' in 2014
When the 125th Rose Parade hits Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards on Jan. 1, 2014, look out for more entertainment along the route, more flowers and action on the floats, just 15 equestrian units, and fewer, smaller bands, said R. Scott Jenkins, the newly minted president of the Tournament of Roses Association.  Jenkins, a partner in the Pasadena law firm of Hahn and Hahn, has chosen the theme "Dreams Come True.". (1/17/13) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

124th Tournament Of Roses Parade 2013 - In The News

2013 Rose Parade:  Winners
Here is a listing of the 124th Tournament of Rose Parade winners.   This link also includes a highlights video. (1/2/13) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

Watch the 2013 Rose Parade
KTLA traditionally has good coverage of the rose parade.  Enjoy!  (1/1/13) Courtesy of KTLA.

ROSE BOWL: Stanford, Wisconsin enjoy a Disney-style welcome
For the Wisconsin and Stanford football teams, Disneyland was truly the Happiest Place on Earth on Wednesday as they enjoyed a traditional visit before they meet up on New Years Day.  (12/26/12) Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

Tournament of Roses announces 2013 line-up for Rose Parade float Judges
The charitable arm of Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses, has named Maxine Harris and Lance Tibbet to  its board of directors on Tuesday, November 13th, 2012. Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

Tournament of Roses Foundation adds two
The charitable arm of Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses, has named Maxine Harris and Lance Tibbet to  its board of directors on Wednesday, August 7th, 2012. Courtesy of the Pasadena Sun.

Jane Goodall announced as Grand Marshal
The chimpanzee expert and founder of the Jane Goodall institute will be the Grand Marshall of the 2013 Tournament of Roses Parade was announced on Wednesday, April 25th, 2012. Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

Tournament of Roses taps Jeffrey Allen for COO role
Jeffery J. Allen the current CFO will also take the vacancy produced when Bill Flinn, the former COO, was named executive director, March 6th, 2012. Courtesy of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

Flinn takes over Tournament of Roses
William B. Flinn has been appointed as executive director of the Tournament of Roses on Wednesday, February 22nd, 2012. Courtesy of the Pasadena Sun.

The theme for the 124th Rose Parade is "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"

The theme for the 124th Tournament of roses parade which is "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" and depicts a boy with blue shirt and tan shorts walking down a colorful path with a bindle.

President Officially Starts Her New Role
Sally M. Bixby, just the second woman to lead the Tournament of Roses Association in its 123-year history, officially took the presidential reins on Thursday, January 19th, 2012. Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

Organizational structure for 2013 Tournament of Roses unveiled
Sally M. Bixby names 14 members of her committee on Friday, January 20th, 2012. Courtesy of the Pasadena Sun.

123rd Tournament Of Roses Parade 2012 - In The News

Occupy movement plans to crash Pasadena's Rose Parade
A group known as Occupy the Rose Parade has set its sights on Colorado Boulevard for New Year's Day, promising to bring 40,000 protesters to Pasadena on Jan. 2. (11/10/2011).  Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

Tournament of Roses to Occupiers: You Can't Mark in Our Parade
Occupy Wall Street protest group in Pasadena, Calif., tried to get a slot to march in the Rose Parade on Jan. 2, officials with the parade said no. (12/28/2011).  Courtesy of CNSNEWS.com.

Occupy The Rose Parade Link
The group will converge in front of the Norton Simon (by the intersection of Orange Grove and Colorado between Sunday 12pm January 1st, and Monday 12pm January 2nd.

Rose Parade Videos
Videos from the 123rd Tournament of Roses Parade.

Parade Information

Parade Tickets
The best place to order your tickets.

Rose Parade Advice
This article briefly describes how to prepare to view the Rose Parade. (Courtesy of the Examiner.)

How a Rose Parade float is Built
Ever wonder how a Rose Parade float is built? We chronicled the construction of a float - the Miracle-Gro float - this year before it traveled down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. (12/31/2013)  Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.  Watch this timelapse of a float being built.

How to survive the Rose Parade
Official dos and don'ts for the parade.  (Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.)

2014 Rose Parade:  Complete coverage guide
Getting ready for the 2014 Rose Parade on Jan. 1? Here are some highlights of our coverage to get you caught up with more to come.  (12/31/2013)  Courtesy of the Pasadena Star News.

2013 Rose Parade:  Complete coverage guide
Getting ready for the 2013 Rose Parade on Jan. 1? Here are some highlights of our coverage to get you caught up with more to come.

Parade Lineup
A DISCOVERING PASADENA RESOURCE
This shows the lineup for the rose parade.

Parade Route Times
A DISCOVERING PASADENA RESOURCE
This PDF, shows expected start times at locations along the parade route.

Parade Route
This PDF shows all facilities available on the parade route.

Visit Pasadena Holiday Reference Guide
This amazing PDF was created in 2009 and contains everything you need to know about holiday events, including the Rose Parade in Pasadena.  I have not seen an update to this guide, but it is still very useful.

Scanner Radio Frequencies
Radio frequency information for the annual Tournament of Roses Parade and Rose Bowl Game held every year.

Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association
Created by the efforts of Charles Frederick Holder and Francis F. Rowland, is the non-profit organization that has annually produced the New Year's Day Tournament of Roses Parade since 1895 and the Rose Bowl Game, since 1902.

Pasadena Tournament of Roses Floats
The floats are required to be covered with plant material, living or dead.  Most are built by professional float building companies, and take nearly a year to construct. Some communities and organizational sponsors still rely on volunteers.

Coverage

KTLA
Historically the best coverage of the Rose Parade.

Live Video:  The 2012 Rose Parade from a reporter's eyes
Pasadena Star-News reporters live stream video from the 2012 Rose Parade, including crowd reaction, the Occupy protest and the parade itself.
Coverage will begin at 8 a.m. on Jan. 2, with some coverage the night before on Jan. 1 as people camp out before the parade.

Live Blog:  The 2012 Rose Parade blog and chat, make a comment about the parade
Live blog and chat discussing the 2012 Rose Parade.   Blog will begin January 2nd at 7:30AM PST.

Live Tweets:  The 2012 Rose Parade Twitter
Live tweets in real-time following what people are saying about the 2012 Rose Parade.

Float Builders

Phoenix Decorating Company
Since 1956 this company has been designing and building award winning floats.

Fiesta Parade Floats
Since 1988 this company has been designing and building award winning floats they are located in Irwindale.  They have one the parades' highest honor, the Sweepstakes Trophy, eighteen consecutive times.

Artistic Entertainment Services
Since 1981 this company has been designing and building award winning floats and theme park attractions.

Burbank, California Float Builders
This is an all-volunteer, non-profit organization that designs, builds and decorates the City of Burbank's entry into the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.

Cal Poly Universities Rose Float
A yearly program which builds a rose float that is displayed on the morning of every January 1 during the Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Two public universities sponsor this joint venture, the California Polytechnic State University (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo) located in San Luis Obispo and the California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (Cal Poly Pomona) in Pomona. These two institutions have continuously participated in the tournament since 1949.  See the most current rose float design here.

History

Tournament of Roses History
The first Tournament of Roses was staged in 1890 by members of Pasadena's Valley Hunt Club, former residents of the East and Midwest eager to showcase their new home's mild winter weather. Professor Charles Holder of the club suggested holding a festival to tell the world about California. That first year, two thousand people watched flower-covered carriages travel down Colorado Avenue. Today, a million people turn out every New Year's Day to watch dozens of floats, bands and equestrian groups.

Tournament of Roses President History
The Tournament of Roses Parade has become such a large event that it requires 65,000 hours of combined manpower each year, or the equivalent of roughly 7.42 years of combined manpower. Fortunately for the Tournament of Roses Association, the group has 935 members, each whom is assigned to one of 34 committees, and 38 student ambassadors.  This group is headed by a president.

Tournament of Roses Rose Queen History
Each year in September and early October, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses administers a selection process to determine which greater Pasadena-area girls will have the honor of being crowned Queen of the Tournament of Roses, or one of the members of her "Royal Court". Each year over 1000 girls between the ages of 17 to 21, try out. Six princesses and one queen are chosen.
The winners then ride on a float in the parade, and carry out duties in promotion of the Tournament, mainly during its duration and prelude. Their duties include attending over one hundred events in the Southern California area. They usually receive scholarship money, a 30 piece wardrobe, and other benefits.

Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal History
Every Parade needs a Grand Marshal, and the Rose Parade has had some of the world's most distinguished individuals serving in that honored position. Past Grand Marshals have included actors, astronauts, writers, artists, athletes and political figures.  The Disney family is the only family to have more than one member serve as Grand Marshal: Walt Disney was the 1966 Grand Marshal, then his nephew Roy E. Disney held the post in 2000.  Speaking of Walt Disney, Mickey Mouse was grand marshal in 2005.

Tournament of Roses Parade Theme History
Each year, the new President of the Tournament of Roses has the privilege of selecting a theme for the upcoming festivities. The theme is used to inspire the ideas for the magnificent floral floats that will appear in the Rose Parade.   This link contains a list of themes from throughout Tournament of Roses history.

Tournament of Roses Parade Marching Band History
For the Tournament of Roses Parade, top marching bands from all over the world are invited. Many of the nation's top high school marching bands, along with college and organizational marching bands participate.  The bands participating in the parade have also developed traditions. For example, Pasadena City College's Lancer Marching Band always marches in the Rose Parade, along with high school band and color guard students from all over Southern California, who are selected by audition the previous autumn. The Tournament of Roses Honor Band is a coveted position, and those selected are among the best student musicians in California. Nine of the high school trumpet players, selected by performance on their auditions, and the best snare drummer, are selected as the Herald Trumpets, who march directly before the Rose Queen's float and play fanfares.

Wrigley Mansion - Tournament House
Tournament House is the official headquarters of the Tournament of Roses Association, its staff and the 935 volunteers who work year-round to organize the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.  The house was built by architect G. Lawrence Stimson in 1906 and his father, prominent builder George w. Stimson. The younger Stimson paid great attention to detail in his design and construction. Within the structure’s three stories are 22 rooms and 18,500 square feet of artistry; ornate molded ceilings, inlaid marble floors, and finely crafted woodwork.

Wrigley Mansion - Catalina
The "other" Wrigley Mansion above Avalon on Catalina Island is now run as a bed and breakfast. The house was built by chewing gum magnate William Wrigley, Jr., whose mansion on Orange Grove Boulevard is now headquarters of the Tournament of Roses Association.

Rose Parade wonders of a century ago - with post-parade ostrich, elephant and camel races
The special 1913 Rose Parade edition of the Pasadena Daily News featured a rose-covered glamor girl on the cover, and portraits of the parade's queen - and king, as decreed by President Edward T. Off to reign over the event.

See also:
Rose Parade Lineup
Rose Parade Souvenir Program
Tournament of Roses History
Rose Parade Floats
Rose Parade Rose Court