Where to Volunteer to Decorate a Rose Parade Float

During winter break, many parents struggle to find something new and different to do with the kids. Something you may not have thought about is - volunteering to help decorate a Rose Parade entry! Talk about a unique experience!

As you are probably aware, Rose Parade floats must be completely covered by flowers and other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds and bark. It's a lot of work decorating those masterpieces! 

So how do you go about volunteering? Start with this list of commercial float builders and organizations that build their own floats for volunteer opportunities. The minimum age is generally 12 or 13 and you must sign a waiver.

Commercial Float Builders:

• Artistic Entertainment Services in Azusa: All spots full as of 12/27/17
• Fiesta Parade Floats in Irwindale:  All spots full as of 12/27/17
• Phoenix Decorating Company in Irwindale: Slots on 12/31/17 still open as of 12/27/17 through the Kiwanis Club
• Paradiso Parade Floats in Irwindale: Spots still available 12/28-12/30 as of 12/27/17

Self-Built Float Organizations:

• Burbank Tournament of Roses Association: Ages 7 and up; volunteers accepted on first-come basis
• Cal Poly Pomona and SLO: Ages 16 and up; all slots booked for 2017
• Downey Rose Float Association: Ages 13 and up; first-come, first-served volunteer slots
• La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association: Minimum age not indicated; pre-registration is closed but walk-ins are possible
• Sierra Madre Rose Float Association: Limited slots available
• South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association: Registration closed but walk-ons are welcome

The Rose Parade Post Parade Showcase of Floats is Something You Have to Do at Least Once

Everyone at some point here in the Greater Los Angeles/Ventura County area should try to see the Rose Parade in person, as early and as cold as the parade usually is.  But if that isn't your cup of tea, then you MUST see the post parade showcase of floats at the end of the parade route on Sierra Madre Boulevard in Pasadena.

The Rose Parade Post Parade Showcase of Floats lasts just a few days each year, beginning the afternoon after the Rose Parade. Several streets are sectioned off for several miles as you get to walk around and check out these beautiful floats up close. 

As a reminder, Rose Parade floats are required to be completely covered by flowers or other natural materials, such as leaves, seeds or bark. These floats are spectacular pieces of art!

A couple things to keep in mind is to allow for plenty of time as this is an extremely popular event. There are parking and shuttle options, or you can drive around and attempt to find parking in surrounding neighborhoods. You may have to walk a mile to get to the entrance and there is an admission fee ($10 in 2016).

I told you it gets crowded. See for yourself!

I made the mistake of allowing my youngest to ride his scooter from the car to the event, at which point we were quickly told "no scooters" or other such items. I asked if I could carry it. Nope. So off we went, back to the car, and back we came. It was clear why they don't allow such items here...there were literally throngs of people on hand admiring the floats.

Along with the floats, there were plenty of food and beverage vendors and other activities along the route. Do wear comfortable shoes as there is a lot of walking to be done to see all of the floats!

For more information and parking/shuttle options, visit www.tournamentofroses.com or call 626.449.4100.