Rose Parade floats get judged ahead of New Year's Day debut

IRWINDALE, Calif. (KABC) -- It was crunch time for those involved in putting the Rose Parade floats together because the colorful creations were judged on Sunday, a day ahead of the annual Tournament of Roses Parade.

Judges were in as early as 9 a.m. to judge each float for about five to six minutes.

One of 12 floats judged in Irwindale was an entry from the city of Riverside. The float displays the famous Mission Inn and its Festival of Lights, which is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

RELATED: Get to know your 2018 Rose Queen

Along with Riverside's float, the city of Carson's float was being judged outside because both floats have pyrotechnics.


Rose Parade floats: A behind-the-scenes look

The 129th Rose Parade theme is "Making a Difference." This year, every float is showcasing what is making a difference in their community.

See Chelsea Edwards' and Leanne Suter's full reports in the videos above.

Watch the Rose Parade live on ABC7 starting at 8 a.m. Jan. 1.