Every year, the rolling masterpieces go on display in Pasadena. They are parked along Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards. The showcase is a chance for visitors to see all the intricate details and hard work that went into the floats, as well as spend time with their families.
"We have all kinds of activities for kids and families beyond viewing the floats," said Bob Miller, director of the Tournament of Roses Parade.The theme for this year's parade was "Oh, the Places You'll Go!" from Dr. Seuss' book. The procession included 42 floral floats, 23 marching bands and 21 equestrian units.
From the hundreds of green apples glued on the bottom of Kaiser Permanente's Dr. Seuss float to the animals on the City of Beverly Hills float, for many this is the one time to see which organic materials were used to make up their favorite floats.
"Oh, the faces of the cats look perfect," Shirley McCallion of Long Beach said. "They look real, like they could jump out of that basket and come down here."
The floats weren't the only Rose Parade details causing a commotion at this year's viewing.
Gerald and Nicole Sapienza got married on the Farmer's Insurance float during the parade and are now quite the attraction.
"People have been stopping us, congratulating us, asking where we're from, whether we're going on a honeymoon or not," Gerald Sapienza said. "They're asking basically what the next step is."
"The funny part about it is as much as we had an amazing time being up on the float, we didn't really get an opportunity to enjoy the rest of the floats," Nicole Sapienza said. The newlyweds walked around and got an up close view of the elaborate floats showcased in the Rose Parade Wednesday.
There will be many activities and interactive opportunities at the post-parade viewing event. For example, couples will be able to bask in their wedding glow by taking mock pictures on Farmers Insurance's wedding float.
The showcase goes from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday. Tickets cost $10. To get more information, visit www.tournamentofroses.com.
