Rose Parade

Rose Parade
Name	Rose Parade
Caption	Floats proceeding down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena
Date	January 1 (or January 2 if New Year's Day falls on a Sunday)
Location	Pasadena, California, United States
First	January 1, 1890
Founder	Valley Hunt Club
Website	https://tournamentofroses.com

Rose Parade. Held annually in Pasadena, California on New Year's Day, this spectacular procession is formally known as the Tournament of Roses. The event features elaborate floral-decorated floats, spirited marching bands, and equestrian units, traversing a 5.5-mile route along Colorado Boulevard. Since its inception in 1890, it has become a globally recognized celebration, traditionally preceding the Rose Bowl Game.

History

The inaugural procession was organized in 1890 by members of the Valley Hunt Club, led by Professor Charles Frederick Holder. Inspired by festivals in the French Riviera, they aimed to showcase the region's mild winter climate and promote the cultivation of flowers. The early events included amateur athletic competitions such as chariot races and jousting tournaments. In 1895, the Tournament of Roses Association was formed to manage the growing event. A pivotal moment occurred in 1902 when the association added a college football game, originally matching Stanford University against the University of Michigan; this contest evolved into the annual Rose Bowl Game. The parade was first nationally broadcast on radio by NBC in 1926 and later televised in the 1940s, expanding its audience significantly.

Event description

The procession begins at the corner of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, proceeding east on Colorado Boulevard before concluding at Sierra Madre Boulevard. Every element, from the massive floats to the equestrian units, must incorporate floral or natural materials, adhering to the theme "flowers, music, and sports." The event is meticulously organized by the Tournament of Roses Association, with thousands of volunteers. A strict schedule is maintained, with units inspected by judges from the Professional Golfers' Association of America and other organizations. The morning typically includes a flyover by aircraft from United States Air Force bases like Edwards Air Force Base.

Tournament of Roses Royal Court

Each year, a Rose Queen and her Royal Court are selected from young women in the Pasadena Area Community College District. The selection process involves interviews and assessments of poise, public speaking, and community involvement. The queen and her court preside over numerous events throughout the year, including the Pasadena Showcase House of Design and the Doo Dah Parade. They ride on a dedicated float during the procession and attend the Rose Bowl Game. This tradition, dating to 1905, is managed by the Tournament of Roses Association and supported by sponsors like American Honda Motor Company.

Economic and cultural impact

The event generates substantial revenue for the City of Pasadena and the broader Los Angeles County economy, benefiting sectors like hospitality, retail, and tourism. It is a major promotional platform for corporations such as Trader Joe's and Dick Van Patten's Natural Balance Pet Foods, which sponsor floats. Culturally, it is ingrained in American New Year traditions, often referenced in media like The Simpsons and The Beverly Hillbillies. The associated Rose Bowl Game is a cornerstone of the NCAA football calendar, with broadcasts on ESPN drawing millions of viewers.

Notable floats and participants

Over the decades, float builders like Fiesta Parade Floats and Phoenix Decorating Company have created iconic entries, such as the City of Hope National Medical Center's hope-themed displays. Celebrity grand marshals have included Amelia Earhart, Bob Hope, John Wayne, and Sandra Day O'Connor. Musical performers have ranged from the University of Southern California Trojan Marching Band to international groups like the Tokyo Disney Resort band. The United States Marine Corps Band and units from the Los Angeles Police Department are also perennial participants.

Broadcast and media coverage

The event is broadcast live across the United States on networks such as ABC, NBC, and Univision, with international syndication to over 100 countries. KTLA, a CW Television Network affiliate in Los Angeles, has provided continuous local coverage since 1947. Commentary is often provided by personalities from Hallmark Channel and Crown Media Holdings. The Tournament of Roses Association also streams the event online via platforms like YouTube. Major sponsors, including Amazon and Samsung, integrate extensive advertising campaigns around the broadcast.

Category:Parades in the United States Category:Tourist attractions in Los Angeles County, California Category:Recurring events established in 1890 Category:January events