Rose Parade Draws Thousands To Colorado Boulevard Despite Cold Temperatures
PASADENA (CBSLA.com) — The 2015 Rose Parade got off to a cold start in Pasadena Thursday, but that didn't keep the crowds away from Colorado Boulevard.
The official temperature was 33 degrees at 4:09 a.m., according to the National Weather Service - just shy of the 1952 record of 32 degrees.
And as it warmed up into the late morning, thousands of spectators had gathered along the parade route to see the floats of flowers and make new memories.
"I've seen it on TV for every year so I thought it would be fun to come," said Chiara Stirling, of Thousand Oaks.
"It's part of our bucket list," said Nancy Spreier, who came with her husband to see the Ducks play Florida State at the Rose Bowl and enjoyed the parade before the game.
Everyone had a favorite. The Dole float won the Sweepstakes trophy won for fifth year in a row.
The theme this year was "Inspirational Stories".
Among the heroes honored in flowers, a riderless horse paid tribute to Louis Zamperini, Olympian, prisoner of war, and named the 2015 grand marshal before he passed away earlier this year.
"All of the branches of the services that are represented, from the different cities and they're honoring their veterans. It's pretty moving," Jeff Spreier said.
Preparations for the parade of 2016 will starts first thing Monday morning.
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