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Occupy LA Preps Rose Parade Demonstration

PASADENA (CBS) — Preparations are well underway for the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade. But one group prepping their oversized display was not invited, and has Pasadena police making preparations of their own.

Occupy L.A. demonstrators gathered at Singer Park Tuesday to strategize their demonstration at the 123rd Rose Parade, taking place on Jan. 2.

Occupiers will march behind police cars that follow the parade. They plan to carry banners in front of a 250 foot by 50 foot blowup of the U.S. Constitution, and an oversized octopus with tentacles reaching out to various puppets worn by other marchers. Two marching bands and costumed demonstrators will follow.

Police say the Occupy L.A. group is not part of the official parade.

"The Tournament of Roses has the right to issue the permits for the parade exclusively," says Lt. Phlunte Riddle of the Pasadena Police Department.

Riddle says Occupy L.A. has not been issued a permit.

Spectators are permitted to follow behind the parade, but the Occupy group's plans have created demand for an increased police presence on parade day.

"We'll make sure, just like any other spectator that's out there, that they don't interrupt the parade," says Riddle, "that they don't infringe on other people's rights, just like we won't have anyone infringe on their rights."

Pete Thottam, who is organizing the Occupy march says spectators should expect an incredible display.

"The people's parade is a counterpoint to the corporate parade that much of the Rose Parade has come to embody," says Thottam.

The Occupy movement plans to get the attention of local spectators and national cameras as they march down Colorado Boulevard, in what they promise will be a peaceful demonstration.

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