Tournament of Roses Parade

Tournament of Roses Parade. The Tournament of Roses Parade is a prominent annual event held in Pasadena, California, on New Year's Day, featuring elaborate floats, marching bands, and equestrian units. The parade is organized by the Tournament of Roses Association, a non-profit organization composed of volunteers from the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles areas, including California Institute of Technology and University of Southern California students. The event is often attended by notable figures such as Rose Bowl Hall of Fame inductees, Heisman Trophy winners, and Disney characters, and is broadcast on major networks like NBC, ABC, and CBS.

● History

The Tournament of Roses Parade has a rich history dating back to 1890, when it was founded by the Valley Hunt Club, a social club composed of Pasadena, California's elite, including Charles Frederick Holder and Francis F. Rowland. The first parade, held on January 1, 1890, featured horse-drawn carriages, bicycles, and foot races, and was attended by Governor of California Washington Bartlett and Mayor of Pasadena Marshall V. Hartranft. Over the years, the parade has evolved to include floats sponsored by major corporations like General Motors, Honda, and Disney, as well as marching bands from University of Michigan, University of Texas, and Ohio State University. The parade has also been attended by notable figures such as President of the United States Richard Nixon, First Lady of the United States Pat Nixon, and Queen Elizabeth II.

● Route and Grandstands

The Tournament of Roses Parade route spans approximately 5.5 miles through Pasadena, California, starting at the intersection of Green Street and Orange Grove Boulevard, and ending at the Tournament of Roses Association's headquarters on Sierra Madre Boulevard. The parade route passes through notable landmarks such as the California Institute of Technology, Pasadena City College, and the Rose Bowl Stadium, which hosts the Rose Bowl game, featuring teams like University of Southern California, University of California, Los Angeles, and University of Oregon. Grandstands are set up along the route, offering spectators a prime view of the parade, including VIP seating areas for dignitaries like Governor of California Gavin Newsom and Mayor of Pasadena Terry Tornek.

● Floats and Entries

The Tournament of Roses Parade features a wide range of floats and entries, including marching bands from United States and international schools like University of Tokyo and University of Oxford, as well as equestrian units like the Anheuser-Busch Clydesdales and the United States Army's 1st Cavalry Division. Floats are designed and built by major corporations like General Motors, Honda, and Disney, as well as non-profit organizations like the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Make-A-Wish Foundation. Notable float designers include Raul Rodriguez, who has designed floats for Disney and NASA, and Fiesta Parade Floats, which has built floats for General Motors and United Airlines.

● Broadcast and Media

The Tournament of Roses Parade is broadcast on major networks like NBC, ABC, and CBS, as well as international networks like BBC and CBC. The parade is also streamed online through platforms like YouTube and Facebook, allowing viewers from around the world to watch the event, including those in Australia, Canada, and United Kingdom. Notable broadcasters who have covered the parade include Al Michaels, Bob Costas, and Katie Couric, who have worked for networks like NBC Sports and ESPN. The parade has also been featured in various media outlets, including The New York Times, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today, which have published articles and photos of the event.

● Organization and Impact

The Tournament of Roses Parade is organized by the Tournament of Roses Association, a non-profit organization composed of volunteers from the San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles areas, including California Institute of Technology and University of Southern California students. The association works with major corporations like General Motors, Honda, and Disney to design and build floats, as well as with marching bands and equestrian units to coordinate their performances. The parade has a significant impact on the local economy, generating millions of dollars in revenue for Pasadena, California and surrounding areas, including Los Angeles County and San Bernardino County. The parade also supports various charitable organizations, including the Shriners Hospitals for Children and the Make-A-Wish Foundation, which receive donations and publicity from the event. Category:Parades in the United States