“If you can’t beat ‘em, join ‘em.” That’s why I now spend New Year’s Eve with the Tournament of Roses Parade Floats.
I live in South Pasadena, which is a separate city from Pasadena, home of New Year’s big parade and football game. On New Year’s Eve, unless you’re a resident or have connections with a resident with an extra permit, don’t plan on driving through Pasadena. Floats are coming from all over the county to line up on Orange Grove Boulevard, and streets are blocked and closed to through traffic. After seven years of grumbling over the situation (my little city is caught up in the traffic nightmare as one of the few access points to the float lineup), in 2008 I decided to walk over to Orange Grove with three friends and see what all the fuss is about. We had no idea what to expect, and we ended up having a blast!
This year was just as delightful! I went with two friends and planned to meet another friend and his family there. Since I knew what we were in for, this time I talked to participants and learned some cool things. Like the stories of the little hands of the Cub Scouts and Boy Scouts coming out to decorate their float. And, the drivers who come back year after year, in spite of the cramped conditions inside the float, and the hours-long no bathroom break they must endure. And, how the drivers have 30 seconds to get the float going if it stalls before the tow truck takes them away. And, the grandson of a volunteer proudly showing us on his iPod nano a snowboarding bulldog video. And, the nurse/White Suit volunteer at the organ donor float talking about her involvement. And, watching the Cal Poly students trying to parallel park their float on a street filled with already-parked floats and observers. You also see the workers filling in fresh flowers and making repairs on their creations, sharing experiences and answering what flower is that questions.
Rose Parade float watching is an experience that’s a cut above the rest. See you next New Year’s Eve?!
Click here to go to the Tournament of Roses Web site.
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