Whether you are visiting Pasadena or live in the area, here are 20 facts to know about the 2015 Rose Parade.
By Wafic Khalil
1- The 126th Rose Parade could be the coldest in its history. The last coldest record of 32 degrees was set during the 1952 Rose Parade.
2- The Parade’s theme is “Inspiring Stories’ inspired by Louis Zamperini, who died two months after being named grand marshal of the parade, at age 97. He will be represented by a riderless horse.
3- Close to 750,000 people are estimated to attend the Rose Parade, and the celebration will air live on eight networks to more than 56 million viewers. The parade will also be televised in 174 countries, which will attract an additional 28 million viewers.
4- There will be almost 1,000 of “white suiters” -the ones that wear all-white suits and red neckties- fanning out across Pasadena on New Year’s Day making sure the parade goes smoothly.
5- The parade floats will arrive on-site before midnight, get lined up and then park in the middle of the closed street.
6- A “white suiter”, who gets assigned as an overnight float protection keeping cars from entering the float formation area, will prevent anyone in a car from entering –except for brain surgeons on the way to perform brain surgery!
7- The Tournament of Roses has more than 20 committees, each supporting a different element of the parade and the Rose Bowl game.
8- The Tournament takes care of its people. Throughout the long night, a van will come around constantly with coffee, hot chocolate and snacks.
9- There will be 39 floats, 20 marching bands and 18 equestrian units. The marching band lineup includes groups from Denmark, Japan and Mexico.
10- In addition to the use of traditional flowers, some floats’ designs will sprout palm tree fiber, kidney beans, orange lentils, crushed sweet rice, and black pepper seed to name a few.
11- Float liaisons (the ones who ride a white scooter, wear a white helmet and escort the floats along the route) spent 10 Saturday mornings between June and December directing traffic so that floats can safely road-test their engines and animation effects.
12- As a native Southern Californian, you should never use the word “cold” unless you want to be reprimanded by visitors from the east coast.
13- Actor Jack Black will ride aboard one of the floats with his former teacher, an artistic director of the 24th Street Theatre.
14- Former Gov. George Deukmejian and college basketball coach Jerry Tarkanian will be riding on the Armenian-American Association float.
15- The Rose Queen for 2015 is named Madison Elaine Triplett and along with six Rose Princesses consist of the Royal Court.
16- The Royal Court was chosen from a pool of 31 finalists, which were part of a larger pool of almost 700 young women, and few young men!
17- A float featuring Champagne flutes, “The Bachelor” mansion facade, a hot tub and hearts with host Chris Harrison on board, will be in the line up. The cast of “The Love Boat” will be reunited on the Princess Cruises float.
18- The parade has gone digital with the release of the Official Digital Rose Parade Program App for mobile tablets (available for free download in the iTunes Store here) and a digital version for desktop browsers (can be accessed here).
19- Miss Crown City of 1957, Joan Williams, will finally ride in the parade after she was denied the chance when it was discovered that she was black. Mrs. Williams, 83, will ride in the first car*.
20- A lot of volunteers put this incomparable parade together for you. They don’t get paid. Your smile is their pay. They will be cold as you will be too. Bundle up, smile at them, and and have a great time!
To view detailed information on street closures, parking restrictions and general access during the Tournament of Roses Parade, Float Viewing and Rose Bowl Game, please check the Visitor Hotline info page.
*[This articles was updated to correct an earlier version of Mrs. Williams riding in the Mayor’s car. January 1, 2015 9:58 a.m.]
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