Preparations for the 2025 Rose Parade are well underway, capturing the attention of not just local residents but also visitors who travel to Pasadena for the iconic event. Recently, the Float Fest drew thousands eager to see closely the 39 floats set to grace the parade route. The dazzling floats represent various organizations and causes, from animal welfare to healthcare, showcasing the creativity and spirit of the community.
Among the float designers is Cal Poly alum Elizabeth Renfrew, who reminisced about her early experiences designing floats back in the 1970s. “The kids we worked with were great. You learn all different kinds of skills, and I’m sure I took them on to my field of work, just the leadership opportunities... so it was a win on every level,” said Renfrew, reflecting on the joy of connecting young students with such significant projects.
Martha Zatloka, known for her float marketing expertise, expressed her deep connection to the community through her education. “I switched majors when I got to Santa Barbara for business and marketing...And now I visit Santa Barbara once a year,” she noted, underlining how her passion for marketing and local pride influences her work, even when promoting floats from states away.
The Rose Parade, touted as the second largest parade in the U.S., is not just about the floats but also about community engagement. Local organizations play pivotal roles, such as the Boys and Girls Club of Oxnard, which is featured prominently this year. Resident Violet Way shared insight, stating, “Boys and Girls of Oxnard is a ‘Kindness is free’ Boys and Girls Club. They had kids on the float, placing flowers. Being part of something and bringing our local community to national television is huge.” Such involvement emphasizes the commitment of local youth to vibrant traditions.
Former CEO of Pasadena Humane Society, Steven McNall, spoke highly of collaborative efforts with organizations dedicated to animal welfare. “They have fantastic programs up there...and they're very progressive in their animal welfare work and their adoption programs,” he said, highlighting how these initiatives enrich the overall experience of the parade.
What makes this year’s event special is the sustained efforts of local flower growers from Carpinteria, who generously donate hundreds of roses to adorn the floats, ensuring the stunning visuals for which the parade is famed. This tradition not only creates breathtaking displays but also fosters community support and participation.
For those seeking to experience the parade's magic without the intense crowds, there’s insider knowledge about floats winding their way through the quieter streets of the San Gabriel Valley days before the actual event. It becomes less of an inconvenience, often dubbed “an annual disruption to traffic,” and more of an opportunity to see the floats up close. This tradition of nighttime float viewings offers local residents intimate glimpses of the artistry behind the floats, marking their passage through neighborhoods.
For example, residents witnessed the floats parading through Temple City, creating delightful moments with friends and neighbors, punctuated by the sight of the renowned San Diego Zoo float, crowned the winner from the previous year. It’s not just about viewing; it’s about connection, community pride, and shared experience.
With festivities surrounding the Rose Parade each year, these behind-the-scenes insights and highlights build anticipation for the big day. Mark your calendars for 2025 to partake in not just the parade but the vibrant community spirit it embodies.