Rose Parade float volunteers say it's all in the details

IRWINDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- Piece by piece, seed by seed, volunteers are working on each painstaking detail to perfect their floats for the 127th Rose Parade.

It's the small tasks done by so many volunteers that allow these giant works of art to catch the eyes of millions across the country New Year's Day.

The theme for Kaiser Permanente's float this year is "Helping Mother Nature Thrive." Their float features flowers covered in coconut flakes and giant bumblebees.

Volunteer Maxine Gibson has watched the parade on TV for years from her home in Georgia.

"I came from a little town about an hour south of Atlanta, Georgia," Gibson said.

She said she's always wanted to help decorate the floats and this year, she decided to hop on a plane and check it off her bucket list.

"I always wanted to do this, and my dream has come true," she said as she worked on a float alongside crowds of other volunteers at Fiesta Parade Floats in Irwindale.

As fun and at times tedious as the jobs may be, time is ticking with only three full days left until judging.

"There will be people working up until midnight, will take four hours off, and everyone will be back starting at 5 a.m. again," said Justin Kozubal with Miracle-Gro.

Every float has its theme and focus. Miracle-Gro is using 100 percent California grown flowers this year, while Real California Milk is highlighting its status as the number No. 1 one dairy supplier with cheese, milk and other goodies gracing their float.

Kaiser Permanente is featuring riders who have made a difference in the community including Annalaura Amezquita, one of ABC7's Cool Kids from 2014.

"It's such a huge honor. I'm incredibly blessed and happy to be part of this opportunity," Amezquita said.

To experience the floats before they debut, catch an early float viewing through Dec. 30. For ticket information, visit tournamentofroses.com/events/float-viewing.

You can watch the parade on ABC7 on Friday.