Blog: Experience Parade of Roses floats up-close

The Tournament of Roses is just around the corner. For those of you new to the area, here’s an “inside scoop” on one of the  best ways to experience the parade floats. It’s actually on New Year’s Eve.

At 10 p.m., the floats begin to line up on Orange Grove Boulevard in South Pasadena and all the way into Pasadena.

The span of almost a mile is lit up and people come from all over to get a closer look at the floats, many of which have been a year in the marking.Designers, engineers, drivers and volunteers are all on hand during this time, too.

By checking out the floats on New Year’s Eve, you get a chance to see them before the petals have wilted in the New Year’s Day sun. It’s amazing to see all the fruit, seeds, bark, grasses and flowers from around the world up close. And it’s fun to watch as the finishing touches are put on the floats right before your eyes.

This year’s theme is from Dr. Seuss – “Oh, the Places You’ll Go!” — and there will be some incredible floats. Many families make it an annual tradition to ring in the New Year on Orange Grove Boulevard, sharing the evening with gorgeous floats that will be traveling down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day.
It could be your family’s new tradition, too. Come out and enjoy the view!