Several floats that set records for size and length are getting ready to roll down the streets of Pasadena for the annual Rose Parade.
One of them is sponsored by the UPS Store. KNX News’ Craig Fiegener spoke with two decorators tasked with some of the float’s most difficult detail work. One volunteer, Mary Jo, is creating a leaf from ground peach lentils and cranberry seeds.
“I'm patient and I'm detailed and they call this detail work,” she said.
Another volunteer, Carol, is also working on those detailed leaves.
“The joy is when you're all done and you see the beautiful finished product, and if you slap it on it just doesn't look as beautiful.,” she said.
Another group of volunteers is working on a float for Louisiana, called “Explore Louisiana.” This is the third year the state has had a float in the parade.
Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser said the goal is to drive tourists to Louisiana.
“What does Louisiana do better than anyone? We throw a parade, Mardi Gras,” he said. “So we looked around the country and said, where else do they have a parade?”
Over 28 million people watched the Rose Parade broadcast last year. Nungesser said it drove people to book a trip to Mardi Gras, which is in February.
“You come to Louisiana, you're going to leave with a friend for life, and you'll keep coming back for more,” he said.
Nungesser said it costs the state under a million dollars to pay for the float.
Fiegener also caught up with decorators for a float called “The Lyrical Call of Nature,” for the city of Torrance. This one is recognizable for its hummingbirds.
“As our parade float moves through the parade, you're going to see the babies' heads will bob as the mom is feeding,” one decorator said.
This is the only float in the parade that will have a real waterfall, which will use 400 gallons of water.
The 135th Rose Parade will be held on January 1, 2024, at 8 a.m. and will be livestreamed on Youtube, Pluto TV, Christmas Plus, Local Now, and Fubo.
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