How to Ride a Rose Bowl Parade Float

The Rose Bowl Parade is the mostly widely known and anticipated parade in the world. Many high schools, equestrian groups and other civic and student organizations dream of being asked to be in the Rose Bowl Parade. Traditionally, the way to get into the Rose Bowl Parade is to be invited by the planning committee, but there are a couple of ways to better your chances.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

1. Be in a profession that can be used by a float building company. This is especially true for florists, as the floats are made almost entirely of flowers and other greenery.
2. Find out who the float building companies are and offer to volunteer. One such company is Fiesta Parade Floats. You will need to pay your own way to Pasadena and the duration of your stay and you are not guaranteed to get the opportunity to ride on the float, but it is worth the chance.
3. Show up in Pasadena and find your float building company, or call the Rose Bowl Corporate Office and find out about volunteer opportunities for the celebration weekend. Visit the official Tournament of Roses Parade web site for more information.
4. Apply for the future. In a production as big as the Tournament of Roses Parade, the planning committee is booking out for years in advance. If you would like a shot at getting into a future parade, fill out an application on the website.

Tips & Warnings

• Practice, practice, practice. To be ready to perform in front of millions live and around the world, it takes poise and lots of practice. If you are good, you may be invited to come back in future years.