Tradition Of Camping Out Overnight For Prime Rose Parade Locations Underway

PASADENA (CBSLA.com) —   The tradition of camping out to get a great vantage point for the Rose Parade is underway in Pasadena.

CBS2's Laurie Perez was there to speak to some of the happy campers.

Perez reported that campers were in for a long and very cold evening. And despite that, she said everyone was in a good mood.

Some of the people began setting up at noon on Colorado Boulevard.

They brought chairs, blankets, warm clothing, food. The campers have it down to a science.

"For me, it's a cot and a 32 degree sleeping bag, man" said Urial Payan, "Oh, I sleep well."

Another man told Perez how he was prepared, "Blankets, blankets."

A kerosene heater wouldn't hurt either.

"It's gonna be a cool experience, can't wait," said Corrina Duran.

For Ivan Sanchez going to the parade has become a family tradition.

"My dad brought me here" he said, "when I was younger. This is my daughter, and I wanted her to experience it as well."

The campers will be joined by an increased security force -- Pasadena Police is working with the Secret Service, Homeland Security, Immigration officials and the LA County Sheriff's Department -- to keep everyone safe.

Along the 5.5 mile parade route, many roads will be closed and others will see barriers.

"We'll have heavy trucks, we'll have water barricades. We'll have them on some of the minor cross streets to prevent vehicle incursions," sayd Pasdena Police Lt. Vasken Gourdikian.