That's why volunteer Lori Frisby spent Saturday morning dusting parsley off a yellow strawflower on an ear of corn.
"This has really been on my bucket list to do. Pasadena is kind of like the mother of all parades," she said.
The Portland, Oregon, resident has been in Irwindale for a week working 16-hour days on the Kaiser Permanente float. The 2018 theme is making a difference and the float celebrates eating healthy.
"It's been fabulous. I really enjoy this. I love to see the floats from the beginning to what they're created into," Frisby said.
Volunteers work hard to finish up Rose Parade floats
Those riding aboard on New Year's Day visited Fiesta Parade Floats to check out their seating arrangement. Those visitors included firefighter Mike Stornetta and his search-and-rescue dog Rocket, who will be on the Lucky Pet Foundation float.
"We're beyond excited. Joey from Lucy Pet reached out the Disaster Search Dog Foundation. They wanted a float that was all about honoring animals that help humans," Stornetta said.
But Rocket, who was fresh off assignments for hurricanes Harvey and Irma, was more interested in ABC7 reporter Josh Haskell's microphone than where he'd be stationed Monday.
All the floats, including the Miracle Grow float, must be parade ready by 9 a.m. Sunday, which is when judging begins. Those riding on the floats better rest their arms because they'll have to wave for 5.5 miles.