What You Need To Know: The 124th Annual Rose Parade
One of the most highly anticipated and heavily watched televised events in the country takes place right here, in beautiful Pasadena – the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.
The 124th annual Tournament of Roses Parade will take place Tuesday, Jan. 1, 2013 at 8 a.m. The Rose Parade is a two-hour long annual tradition of talented marching bands, noble horse groups and gorgeous flower-adorned floats. The majority of the parade travels down Colorado Boulevard at a steady pace of 2.5 mph.
This year's Rose Parade theme is "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" inspired by Dr. Seuss. Every inch of the floats are decorated with natural materials such as flowers, seeds and bark and planning and construction of the following year's floats begin just a few days after the Rose Parade ends.
The 2013 Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal is Dr. Jane Goodall, famous for her dedication to animal welfare issues and earth conservation.
"We selected our theme, 'Oh, the Places You'll Go!' with Dr. Goodall in mind as Grand Marshal," said Tournament of Roses President Sally Bixby. "The theme can be interpreted as a celebration of accomplishment, discovery and travel, of course, but equally valid is its implicit call to action."
The 2013 Rose Parade includes the first-ever live wedding atop the Farmers Insurance float, aptly named the "Love Float." Couples from around the country entered for a chance to win the opportunity to say "I do" on the 54th annual float submission from Farmers.
Parking for the Rose Parade is first-come, first-serve for many lots along the parade route. Reserved parking is available through Sharp Seating, the city of Pasadena at (626) 744-6470 and Easy Parking Service at (626) 286-7576.
Tickets are still available to attend the Rose Parade and can be purchased online at Sharp Seating. Curbside camping on the parade route is allowed beginning at noon on New Year's Eve. Check website for more details.
For more information about the 124th annual Tournament of Roses, please visit tournamentofroses.com.
Desiree Eaglin attended the 2012 Rose Parade on behalf of Dole and it was an experience of a lifetime. She blogs at Sarcastic, Funny and Brutally Honest. You can find her on Twitter too.
