PASADENA, Calif. – As the Pasadena Tournament of Roses gears up for the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda, we’re thrilled to share the first Sneak Peek of the stunning floral floats that are set to wow a global audience on January 1, 2025.
Since its debut in 1890, each Rose Parade float has showcased a unique theme and visual story, bringing imagination to life in stunning florals. This year’s theme, “Best Day Ever!,” is beautifully reflected in the float entries from Elks U.S.A., La Cañada Flintridge, Lions International and Love 2 Yeu.
As they journey along the 5 ½ mile Parade route, these floats will offer vibrant and symbolic storytelling, sure to enchant millions of viewers both streetside and worldwide, all drawn to Pasadena for America’s New Year Celebration®.
Elks U.S.A – Phoenix Decorating Company
The Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE), founded in 1868 with nearly 800,000 members, is a patriotic organization dedicated to strengthening communities through charitable initiatives, veteran support and youth programs. Their 2025 Rose Parade float, “Cherished Memories,” highlights children’s impactful experiences at Elks Camps across the U.S., where underserved and medically challenged children build independence and confidence at no cost to their families. The float features children mountain biking above a floral waterfall, canoeing and crossing a 20-foot suspension bridge, all under the watchful eye of a majestic elk in a forest habitat. An American eagle perches above, while a signpost directs campers to various outdoor activities, symbolizing adventure and growth. The float reflects the Elks’ ongoing commitment to community service, youth development, and veteran support, with all funding coming from the generosity of Elks members and their families rather than government assistance.
La Cañada Flintridge – La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association
With its 46th float in the Rose Parade, La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association continues its proud tradition of celebrating achievements in space, particularly those of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory within the city limits. This out-of-this-world float invites viewers on a journey to Mars, featuring an astronaut who teams up with an alien exploration crew for a thrilling ride in a modified Mars Rover. This year’s float, “Rover Rendezvous,” refers to past floats, including “The Wright Stuff” (1995) and “Backyard Rocketeer” (2017), continuing the storytelling of fascination with flight. Every character, including the roaming satellite float featuring an adorable alien, showcases the spirit of exploration, assuring all that they are having the “Best Day Ever.” With all elements crafted by dedicated volunteers, this float represents the community’s creativity and passion for innovation. Look closely at the rover tracks and notice the morse code that reads ‘JPL’ embedded in the soil.
Lions International – Phoenix Decorating Company
Lions International first displayed a float in the 1948 Rose Parade and is proud to showcase their float, “Celebrating A Day of Service,” featuring four adorable lions atop the Lions International float having their Best Day Ever! These furry felines are changing the world through service as they are proudly perched on a bed of a floral waterfall surrounded by beautiful blue butterflies. Each of those Lions celebrates acts of kindness that reverberate in the hearts of communities locally and around the world through the service of 1.4 million members in 49,000 clubs in more than 200 countries. The lions within the organization’s logo represent facing the past with pride and the future with confidence, looking in all directions to render service. A couple of the lions don a pair of reading glasses to highlight Lions International’s dedication to vision care, reflecting their ongoing mission to support global health and well-being.
Love 2 Yeu – Artistic Entertainment Services
The first-time Rose Parade participant, Love 2 Yeu, proudly presents their float themed “Journey of Dreams.” This float celebrates Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, honoring Vietnamese families’ rich culture and traditions while sharing a message of hope and unity. On the float is a replica of a refugee boat, symbolizing the countless journeys taken by families seeking new opportunities. The boat is aptly named “Lucky” and is adorned with thousands of red, yellow and orange flowers, representing the fiery spirit and dreams of those onboard. Dolphins swim alongside, guiding the way, as a bird perches on a dock, symbolizing new horizons to the land of opportunity. The float represents the organization’s mission to nourish, empower and provide educational aid to displaced, underserved children and orphans in Vietnam and the U.S., celebrating resilience and the beauty of Vietnamese heritage.
Join us on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, to experience the awe and wonder of the floats, bands and equestrian units of the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda.
Source: Tournament of Roses
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