Have you ever asked yourself what makes the Rose Parade so unique? One of the highlights is the exquisite Rose Parade Floats. These floats are covered with flowers and bring joy to everyone who sees them. In this article, we will answer all your questions, touching on every detail about the Rose Parade Floats, from their creation to the parade day. So, let us start.
Rose Parade Floats: What Are They?
What Are Rose Parade Floats?
Rose Parade Floats are the decorated floats which are the center of attention on Rose Parade. There are primarily floral floats, which are large moveable structures made entirely of natural materials; their designs and impact on the audience is astounding. These floats are prepared by different organizations, individuals, cities, corporations and volunteers. The details and colors used makes them visually appealing to everyone.
The custom of Rose Parade Floats began with the very first Rose Parade in 1890. The parade was organized by the Valley Hunt Club in Pasadena, California, to showcase the beauty of the region’s flowers. The first floats were represented by ordinary, albeit flower bedecked, horse drawn carts. This function was so successful that it was decided; it should be done on an annual basis, getting larger and larger each year.
As time progressed, Rose Parade Floats moved on from ordinary flatbed trucks bedecked with flowers to breathtaking intricately designed high-tech floats. Nowadays, every float has to be either entirely embellished with flowers, or other organic materials such as seeds, leaves, and bark. Furthermore, the degree of using technology has also increased, when loads and loads of floats have springing animated mechanisms and complicated models. This evolution has further revitalized the floats and become a crowd puller.
The Rose Parade Floats are known around the world. The parade is seen by millions of people around the World as it is broadcast live on the Television. The floats are so gorgeous and so creatively made that Rose Parade has become a popular custom on New Year’s Day. People the world over watch some of the most beautiful displays thus making it one of the most watched and followed events of the year.
Volunteers are important for the successful making of Rose Parade Floats. The floats are constructed by lots of community and volunteer groups who spend days and nights sketching, building and embellishing the floats. This involvement of the community makes the floats very attractive as it is done willingly by many. It is commendable to see how the end products reflect the commitment and efforts put in by these volunteers.
After the parade, the Rose Parade Floats are displayed for public viewing. This event, known as the Showcase of Floats. The crowds get to experience the floats in ways that are not possible during the parade because of the distance and therefore attention to detail and appreciation is heightened. It is a wonderful time to take pictures and appreciate the work that has gone into each float’s design. The Showcase of Floats is an event that attracts many people in and beyond the country every year.
As presenting sponsor of the Rose Parade, Honda, a manufacturer of motorcycles and automobiles, is not left behind in the competition for creativity in the construction of Rose Parade Floats. The themed float ‘Believe and Achieve’ had a rocket pack strapped to a little girl, who represents vision and ambition. Their float also included spices such as cinnamon, paprika and flowers like orchids and chrysanthemums. This float honored both the concept and the contribution by every member.
Sierra Madre’s “Nature’s Classroom”
For 90 years the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association has joined the Rose Parade and made a float. They aimed to bring awareness about rain forest conservation with their float ‘Nature’s Classroom’. The construction of this float included toucans and kapok trees made of black moss, dried cornflowers and melaleuca bark. This float was a beautiful reminder of the need to protect our natural world.
Downey Rose Float Association’s “Dew Drop By”
Designed by the Downey Rose Float Association, the “Dew Drop By” float was such a delight of whimsical fairy gardens. The design featured roses and shrubs of moss, carnation and anthuriums making the entire scene pleasing. The float featured fairies and a lush garden, captivating the audience with its enchanting design.
The ‘All Paths Lead Home’ float presented by HGTV receives the Grand Marshal’s Award for the imaginative idea. It showcased a floral version of the HGTV Dream Home, complete with penguins and a beagle. The float was decorated using thousands of roses which made it a different elaborate entry to the parade.
The ‘Garden of Oz’ float designed for the ‘70th anniversary of ‘The Wizard of Oz’ was released’ had on it huge tangible figures of Scarecrow, Tinman, Cowardly Lion and even Oz. This float too had over 12000 rose flowers which were a colorful tribute to the film. It even possessed a rose that had traveled on a NASA space shuttle.
The “Sweet Dreams” float featured musician Kenny G performing on clouds made of white flowers. This float formed part of the 2012 Tournament of Roses on Parade opening ceremony. The use of flowers to create an ethereal effect made this float a memorable part of the parade.
Following the parade, the floats are showcased at a two-day event called Floatfest, where the Rose Parade Floats can be appreciated as closely as possible. This particular event enables individuals to see and admire the great artistry and fine detail that is found on every single float. It is something that extends the Rose Parade activity that makes it possible for people to take in the decorations in a calmer environment. These famous Rose Parade Floats exhibit the artistic efforts of the design and creation of the floats to the great event that is the Rose Parade. Every float is beautiful and tells a story, enhancing the beautiful sight of the parade, making it an event that most people globally cherish.
Rose Parade Floats are a beautiful part of the Rose Parade showcasing art, flowers and hard work. These floats have a long history and over the years they have transformed into beautiful structures that amaze people all over the world. From their simple designs, to the advanced and intriguing creations that we have nowadays, Rose Parade Floats still remain one of the best attractions during the New Year celebrations. If you wish to see Rose Parade Floats closely and make the most of your visit, make sure to include a tour package from Ala Carte Tours.
Ala Carte Tours also offers many other exciting tours and travel packages including the Signature Rose Parade Tour package. This is an all in one package that entails premium seats at the parade as well as guided tours of Los Angeles and Hollywood. With Ala Carte Tours, you can enjoy the Rose Parade and the stunning Rose Parade Floats without any stress. To do this, Ala Carte Tours has a comprehensively thought out and detail oriented, hassle free approach that encourages patrons to focus on the event rather than worrying about all the basics and minor issues that are often critical to most patrons. The pack includes transport, accommodation, and meals on the way to the Rose Parade which is convenient. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to see the incredible Rose Parade Floats and make lasting memories with Ala Carte Tours.
The Beginning of the Tradition
Evolution Over the Years