Take a Break: Learn how Rose Bowl Floats are Made

On New Year’s Day, millions watch live and on TV the Pasadena Rose Bowl Parade. A close friend recently talked about how she worked for three nights on the Wells Fargo float many years ago. Her descriptions were fascinating. Thanks to the Internet, you too can learn more about what goes into creating a float.  
 

The Rose Parade travels 5 ½ miles down Colorado Blvd. and features four types of entries: floral-decorated floats entered by a participating corporation, non-profit organization or municipality, equestrian units, bands, and Tournament Entries. Rose Parade participants have long histories with the Tournament of Roses and keep the traditions alive. Pasadena Tournament of Roses

Every inch of the float must be covered with flowers or “organics” as the commentators refer to seeds, bark, fruits, leaves and other natural materials. Float building is big business, though some community and organizational floats, such as the City of Burbank, and Cal Poly Universities are constructed with volunteers.

The day after the parade ends, the process begins anew. Floats are dismantled, with materials, composted as well as recycled, and it isn’t long before the new theme is announced. In mid-February, builders select their float theme.  

An average of 80,000 hours of labor is put into the process of floats with approximately 900 volunteers each year. It is estimated that it takes 60 volunteers working 10 hours a day for 10 days to decorate a float.

If you are visiting or live in the area, you can visit one of the float “barns” after Christmas and observe the decorating. Admission is charged.

 If you missed the 2020 parade, you can watch it here, free of commercial interruptions. 

 Drive a Parade Float

Not interested in today’s activities, try the Take a Break Pinterest Board.