Rose Bowl Parade

We've watched the Rose Bowl Parade on TV since we were young and now we finally have a chance to be there in person. Up at 4:30 AM to catch the bus to Pasadena. It's about a 2 hour ride but we need to get there before they close the streets and the bus can't get through.

Assigned seating on temporary bleaches gave a great view of the parade. At $55 a seat the view should be good. There are dozens of bleachers just like this. I wonder if the profits help pay the Million or more for each float? Can you tell it's not exactly balmy at 8 AM?

If you don't buy bleacher seating, just grab a sleeping bag and spread out the night before for a primo spot. Some guys in the back brought step ladders and perched on them. I bet their butts were sore by the end; after 3 hours mine was and we were on real seats.

The theme this year is shown on this float. Remember, as you look at the float pictures that they are all covered with flowers and plants. Different colours were caused by different flowers and petals. 

What a spectacular float! The birds and butterflies all moved, there were two waterfalls and the volcano breathed fire. This was one of my favourites. 

Look at all the animals shown on this float. Remember they are all created using flowers. 

There were a number of equestrian groups in the parade. These were from Canada. 

Whenever horses went by, these folks were right behind and always got the biggest applause, especially if they had to do their job.

What is so amazing about the floats is the detail. The more you look at them, the more things you see. I could swear I saw pixies. Nah. 

What parade would be complete without some cheerleaders. Remember how we are dressed. I can't figure out if they look cold or hot. I guess I'll just look. 

Not just flower petals, but plants as well give floats a beautiful look. All the petals, flowers and plants have to be put on the day before the parade because they will wilt quickly. Imagine the activity around these floats the day and night before. 

There were floats from other countries. This one is from Indonesia.

 

The Indonesian Dancers look cool. I guess their outfits are more designed for tropical areas, not chilly California. If you don't believe its cold, check out the parkas in the crowd.

The couple on top of this float actually got married during the parade. Not many would have that wedding memory. 

I expected more patriotic floats but this quieted the crowd. It's represents the Korean War Memorial we saw in Washington. A soldier from Afghanistan is on the float. So is his family. They didn't know he was coming until they saw him this morning. Quite touching. 

How's this for a big John Deere? It led off a procession of about 30 antique tractors. Some were really old, but no steam. A totally chromed Ford tractor sure stood out.  

Of course Disney would have some floats but we thought the tow truck from Cars was cute. Notice the motor homes in the background; They've got a great view of the parade. Some were sitting on their roof for an even better view. They pay around $250.00 to park along the route but, you can use your own bathroom and make coffee or a lunch. If we were coming back next year.... Nah.  Its been a great parade and as you can see from the photos, we had a great view.

After leaving Pasadena, and leaving, and leaving we finally got out of traffic and stopped for lunch. It took 4 hours to get out of the parade area. I was just glad I wasn't driving. The parade was amazing and we had a great view from the raised bleachers. It was worth every cent. One more off our bucket list.