We were honored to have the 2010-2011 president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses as out speaker.  Jeff Throop presented a “birds’ eye” view of the pomp and circumstance that marches down Colorado Blvd. every year.  Since 1890, the parade has provided joy to viewers along the parade route.  There were 2000 people in Pasadena to watch the first parade, now there is one million on the street with 52 million watching on TV in the United States, and possibly billions in the 220 countries the broadcast reaches.  There will be a total of forty-seven floats, all covered with beautiful vegetation representing corporations, non-profit organizations (i.e., Rotary International) and independents.  We will see entries from Dole, Discovery Chanel, Cunard Lines, Mattel, U.S. Bank and Quick Creek.  There will be an entry from the Reagan Foundation, California Firefighters and even T. Boone Pickens with his entry of Saving the American Mustang organization. 

There will be bands from all over the world, including Mexico and Japan.  Mr. Throop has traveled over 50,000 miles to meet participants and found that marching in this parade is a huge experience for kids.  Most practice 3-5 hours/day.  They must raise their own funds to finance the trip to Pasadena, which typically costs $900-$4000 per kid and could be a total of $100,000 for the entire band.  Jeff recalled one school sold bed sheets to raise funds while another made “Bandwitches” at 6:00 a.m., and delivered them to customers in time for lunch.  One of the band related festivities takes place one week prior to the parade at Pasadena City College called “Bandfest”.  Participating bands march on the field and put on a great show for all in the stands, a must see.

We have seen some very prominent people over the years as Grand Marshall’s.  The likes of Walt Disney, Shirley Temple, Bob Hope, Hank Aaron, Frank Sinatra, and even Kermit the Frog have been driven down Colorado Blvd.  It is not known who the Grand Marshall will be yet but the announcement will be on October 26th so be sure to stay tuned.  This January 1st we will see a fly over of the B-2 bomber, which to many is the highlight of the entire event, so keep an eye out around 8:00 a.m. on the first.  

(Pat Dolphin)