The Rose Parade ( Tournament of Roses Parade) is one of the most spectacular festivals and parades you will see - and if you can't get to Pasadena or have missed out on tickets it is well worth watching on TV.
The 122nd Rose Parade themed Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories,
took place on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units.
122nd Rose Parade 2011 (Part 1)
What is the Pasadena Tournament of Roses? It is "America's New Year Celebration" and is a festival of flowers, music, equestrians and then a college football game on New Year's day.
It all began January 1, 1890, in Pasadena, California. The Rose Bowl college football game was added in 1902 to help fund the cost of staging the parade.
The Rose Parade is watched by close to a million spectators lining the parade route and seen by millions more on television worldwide .
Most of the floats are built by professional float building companies and take nearly a year to construct. A couple of days prior to parade day you can view the floats being decorated with flowers (all surfaces of the float framework must be covered in natural flowers or greenery and nothing artificial is allowed!) in the various 'float barns' that are found within the Rose Bowl area near the start of the parade.
All the floats are 'parked' on display at the end of the parade route and are on display for at least one and half days after the parade.
High school and college marching bands and horses make up an important part of the Rose Parade with top bands and equestrian units participating each year.
Have you got some Rose Parade photos you would like to share? Please email us your best photos of your float, band or horse and a brief description for possible inclusion on this website.
The 122nd Rose Parade themed Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories,
will take place on Saturday, January 1, 2011 at 8:00 a.m. (PST) featuring spirited marching bands from throughout the nation, majestic floral floats, and high-stepping equestrian units.
.For more information on the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game please visit:
