Tuesday, December 29, 2009

Rose Parade

I have always wanted to attend the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
So now that I'm 50 it seems like a great way to begin the New Year. In spite of wanting to do this, I have put off going now for years! Seems like at the last minute it has been too easy to stay home, but then I regret the decision after. This year I found a like minded soul in my new found niece, so off we go. It will be a whirl wind trip but it should be fun.
If anyone has attended before or has any of the scoop as to how to do this, please let me know.
We're parade virgins.

These pictures are of floats designed by Charles T. Meier. Since 2006 he has served as the float designer and floral designer for the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association. Charles' floats are always winners. I'm looking forward to see what he designs this year.
Oh and did I mention the weather report for Pasadena, California is 70 degrees for New Years Day?
Woo Whoo

8 comments:

Pam Hoffman said...

Welcome to Southern California!

I hear the way to do the Rose Parade is to be there the night before!

Hope your trip is great, I live about 1/2 way between LA & San Diego and have yet to get to the parade!

I usually watch reruns on TV!

:)

Have fun & stay safe!

Pam Hoffman
http://mycre8tivelife.blogspot.com/
http://twitter.com/PamHoffman

Anonymous said...

Hi there. Charles Meier here. Thanks so much for posting pictures of my floats. I wish you well in your first parade going experience.

Personally, I am taking a break from the parade. I did not design an entry in this year's parade and I have not decided yet whether I will design something for 2011 or not.

Here are a few tips: try to be on either the EAST side of Orange Grove or the SOUTH side of Colorado. (Many floats are designed to look better on one side for the tv cameras.) Be prepared for a lot of walking and plan to arrive EARLY. If you are driving, you won't be able to cross the parade route and navigating around the blocked streets can be tricky. Dress in layers. The morning can be icy, but by the end of the parade it can be very warm.

One of my favorite things to do is to study the floats up close in the early morning hours when they are lined up on Orange Grove. I wish you all the best and hope you have fun.

vivian said...

Oh the jealousy I'm feeling right now! I love to watch it on TV! Cant imagine the excitement of seeing it in person. And not only that, but the 70 degrees would be so delightful as well. its been in the single digits here this week!
Have a wonderful time! oh yes.. and pictures pictures pictures!
happy new year!

CJ said...

Back before hubby and I were married - way back, we spent the night sleeping in the gutter along the parade route. It was something on our list that we wanted to do..attend the Tournament of Roses Parade. Not to spoil your fun but we thought it was much better viewing from home watching it on tv. Well you might have a better view and a better day and you can cross it off of your list too.

Jamie Fingal said...

If you can, go behind the scenes and help with the last minute touches on the floats. I have been there a few times in the bleachers to view the parade. I prefer the couch at home, with a nice cuppa joe. It is cold and rainy today and we're all bundled up. Enjoy your time in Pasadena - lots of great things to do there! Happy new Year!

Pam Aries said...

OHBOY!!! Have a Grand Time!!!

calamity kim said...

I wish I could go with you! I can't wait to hear all about it!

Glenda said...

I went to the parade this year also. My family lives in Sierra Madre (we used to own a home there also!. It was one of the best Rose Parades I've been to!