Crowds Line Colorado Boulevard For Rose Parade
PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — The sidewalks along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena were packed on Tuesday despite a deep winter chill for the 124th Tournament of Roses Parade.
» PHOTOS: 124th Tournament Of Roses Parade
KCAL9's Art Barron reports that more than an estimated one million spectators braved the frosty weather to see the annual procession that boasted more than 40 floral floats, 23 marching bands and 21 equestrian units. This year the parade stepped off with famed chimpanzee researcher Jane Goodall as grand marshal and the theme was "Oh, the Places You'll Go!"
Spectators also became witness to the first wedding ceremony ever held on a Rose Parade float. Sponsored by Farmers Insurance, Nicole and Gerald Sapienza, from Chesapeake, Virginia, tied the knot in front of millions on "The Love Float."
Stefan Pollack with Fiesta Parade Floats told KNX 1070 NEWSRADIO their fiery entry on behalf of Dole Foods nabbed the Sweepstakes Trophy.
"It's got a 26-foot volcano on it that shoots a flame of 20 feet and mists and has 1,000 gallons of water recycled through four different waterfalls," Pollack said.
Many viewers were moved when a decorated soldier, originally from Michigan, was reunited with his family on camera. Army Sgt. First Class Eric Pazz was riding on the "Canines of Courage" float sponsored by Natural Balance Pet Foods Tuesday when he surprised his wife Miriam and four-year-old son, Eric Jr. Pazz was nominated by his superiors in Afghanistan and hadn't seen his family for seven months.
The Pasadena Police Department made 23 arrests along the parade route starting from 6:00 p.m. Monday, Lt. Pete Hettema reported. All but one were for public intoxication.
Pasadena Fire responded to a dozen calls for campers along the parade route, including reports of cold weather exposure, falls, alcohol-related issues, fainting and two unconscious victims, according to spokeswoman Lisa Derderian.
Click here for a full list of float winners.
RELATED STORY: 2013 Tournament Of Roses Parade Will Feature First Live Wedding
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