The festivities of the Rose Parade are just around the corner and we want to make sure you know everything you need to, to experience everything that this year's event has to offer! From opening and closing acts, volunteer opportunities, the rose bowl game, transportation and much more we will keep you updated on everything! First, learn a little bit about the parades history and this year's theme and grand marshall!
About the Parade
Known as America's New Years Celebration, the annual Rose Parade features amazing floral floats that are covered with all natural materials. On January 1, 2018, the world focuses its attention on Pasadena, California, home of the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game. It's a celebration more than a century old....a festival of flowers, music, and sports! There is truly nothing else like it in the world. A greeting to the world on the first day of the year, and a salute to the community spirit and love of pageantry that have thrived in Pasadena for more than 100 years. Approximately 1 million spectators line the parade route, while tens of millions watch the television coverage in more than 200 international territories and countries. The Rose Parade is broadcast on ABC, Hallmark Channel, HGTV, This year the parade will start at 8:00 am PST.
This event requires an astonishing 80,000 hours of combined work each year. There are 935 members of the non-profit Tournament of Roses Association, a volunteer organization dedicated to presenting The Tournament of Roses. Volunteers have responsibilities ranging from selecting parade participants to directing visitors on New Year's Day, to hosting the press headquarters for media coverage of the Rose Bowl Game, to giving presentations about the Tournament to community groups.
Some History.... The tournament of roses has come a long way since it's early days! The Rose Parade was started by Pasadena’s distinguished Valley Hunt Club to promote the city’s charm and beautiful weather. In 1890, the club members brainstormed ways to promote the "Mediterranean of the West." They invited their former East Coast neighbors to a mid-winter holiday, where they could watch games such as chariot races, jousting, foot races, polo and tug-of-war under the warm California sun. The abundance of fresh flowers, even in the middle of winter, prompted the club to add another showcase for Pasadena's charm: a parade would precede the competition, where entrants would decorate their carriages with hundreds of blooms. That is how The Tournament of Roses was born.
This years theme and Grand Marshal
This years theme is "Making a Difference". "A way to honor and celebrate all of the people in our communities, who quietly and without desire for reward or recognition, act in selfless, generous and kind ways to aid or benefit others.” shared Tibbet, the President of The Tournament of Roses. “It’s about the human acts of kindness that enrich the lives of others and are the source of inspiration, hope, joy, and optimism for all of us.” We are so excited for this year's theme! Check out the full list of past themes HERE
To go along with the theme of this year's parade comes a grand marshal who fits perfectly! Actor and humanitarian Gary Sinise will be this year's grand marshal. Sinise will ride in the 129th Rose Parade and participate in the pre-game celebration of the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game held on January 1, 2018. Tibbet referred to Sinise as someone making a difference in his community through his work with veterans. Gary Sinise has been working in support of veterans for nearly forty years. His commitment started in the early 1980's when he began supporting local Vietnam veterans’ groups in the Chicago area and co-founded the Vets Night program at the Steppenwolf Theatre. This program continues to this day and invites veterans to a free dinner and performance for each one of the plays produced at the theatre.
Watch Sinise speak about the opportunity on the tournament of roses website HERE
There is so much to know about this highly anticipated event! Check back all week for more information on the festivities that will take place....tomorrow we discuss The Royal Court and Participants!
Check out the list of broadcasters HERE
Ticket and Event information HERE
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