Tournament of Roses Parade

 

my good friend Rebecca at Pasadena Magazine

was kind enough to include me in her

New Year’s Tournament of Roses Parade plans. 

our seats were perfectly positioned between the start of the parade,

along Colorado Blvd.

just down from the Norton Simon Museum:

 

 

and directly facing the San Gabriels,

basking in the warm glow of the morning sun.

not a bad spot, eh?

  

 

the parade is a MASSIVE event and touted as

‘America’s New Year Celebration’

with nearly 1,000,000 in attendance

and televised on all of the national networks.

the floats that pass by are monstrous feats of artistry,

and are covered entirely with flowers and plant materials.

these floats are built throughout the year for this one day,

and on average,

cost more than a typical US home.

AMAZING!!

 

 

celebrities also come out for the festivities.

here’s kenny g treating the unicorns and sheep

to a little bass sax for breakfast:

   

 

my favorite had to be the Trader Joe’s float.

whimsical and fun – just like their store.

(that I happen to be obsessed with)

  

  

marching bands came from all across the US,

and as far off as Japan,

to join in the festivities.

 

a little hometown spirit:

 

 

the ‘Queens Trophy’ went to this float

from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation,

honoring Elizabeth Taylor for her tireless efforts

in the war on HIV and AIDS.

 

the front says ‘Our Champion’…

a lovely tribute.

 

 

to give you an idea of the enormity and scale of these things,

this float is 20 ft high by 18ft wide by 45 ft long.

there’s over 50,000 red roses alone on it.

the globe is covered in golden clover seed.

the framed images of Elizabeth contain onion seed,

poppy seed, and crushed sweet rice.

also on the float:

orchids, lilies, euphorbia, hydrangea,

bells of Ireland and viburnum.

these floats are INCREDIBLE.

here’s a peek at some of them in detail:

  

 

  

 

 

what a festive and fun way to spend celebrating

the commencement, and fresh, sunny welcome

to a new year: