New Year’s is pretty much irrelevant to young children, who aren’t yet capable of understanding what all the hoopla is about. Fortunately, adults created parades and what child doesn’t love a parade? We thought it would be fun here to list some facts about the most famous of those, the Rose Parade, which everyone enjoys. We think some of the information will surprise you!
When did the Rose Parade begin?
In 1890, 121 years ago, the Valley Hunt Club of Pasadena staged the first — the Tournament of Roses Parade. It was meant to showcase and celebrate the mild weather in California by people who had moved there from the East and Midwest.
By 1895, the parade had become a huge event, with reviewing stands and all kinds of activities — even a race one year between a camel and an elephant (the elephant won).
When did football become part of the celebration?
In 1902, the first post season college football game ever was held as part of the festivities. Stanford was crushed by the University of Michigan and gave up in the third quarter with the score at 49-0. Considering the game a major flop, the Tournament Association replaced it with — Roman-style chariot races! Football came back in 1916 and the new stadium, nicknamed “the Rose Bowl” was opened in 1923. The game has been a sell-out every year since 1947.
This year the No. 8 BCS-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes will battle the the No. 7 BCS-ranked Oregon Ducks.
Who decides what the floats will be?
Since 1918, the parade has had a theme that the floats must depict. The first was “Patriotism” and this year’s is “A Cut Above the Rest.” If you would like to know what the theme was in your birth year, the list is here.
How long does it take to make the floats that appear in the parade?
The process begins just a soon as the year’s festivities are over; the floats take a year to create. The application form for a 2005 float, click here, shows what’s involved in applying.
How many flowers are used on each float?
That depends on the float, but at least as many as the average florist would use in five years. The 2005 float in the answer above had over 11,500 individual flowers! THAT is a lot of flowers!
Why are horses in the parade?
Well, remember, the parade began before cars existed. Horses were a major part of the first parades and the tradition has continued. Each parade features over 300 horses and riders.
How many marching bands participate?
Only 16 bands are selected each year, out of approximately 50 entries.
What and who is the Grand Marshall?
The Grand Marshall is the official host. Those for the Rose Parade have been very prominent, including singers, astronauts, generals, former presidents, industry leaders, actors and actresses. This year’s GM is Captain Chesley Sullenberger III, who landed the damaged US Airlines plane in the Hudson on January 15th, 2009.
What time does the Parade take place?
It begins at 11:00 AM EST (8:00 AM PST) on New Year’s Day. It will be broadcast on ABC, the Hallmark Channel, HGTV, KTLA (Tribune), NBC, RFD-TV, Travel Channel and Univision. The Parade also is broadcast in more than 200 international territories and countries.
HAPPY NEW YEAR!
This had to be the largest snowman in my life. I helped a bit with the first ball, but after that was relegated to documenting his growth. He looked a bit like Charles DeGaulle when he was done!
