.png)
A two-weekend effort to teardown South Pasadena’s award-winning float in the 106th Rose Parade on January 1 is complete.
It started on January 4 with the removal of flowers, vials and some decorative materials. The process was finished last Saturday when the city’s entry was stripped down to little left on its chassis.
FOR A TIME LAPSE VIDEO OF THE TEARDOWN CLICK HERE
The focus is now on the future.
“We’re already thinking about the next parade,” said South Pasadena Tournament of Roses’ President Courtney Dunlap, who will end her two-year reign in office at the start of the organization’s next meeting on February 4. She will likely be handing over the role to her father, SPTOR Vice Chair Brant Dunlap, expected to guide the committee when he’s voted in as president by the remainder of the committee.
Courtney Dunlap will stay on the board after helping put two straight floats in the parade that came away with lofty recognition. The 2020 float – “Victory At Last” – and the 2019 entry – “Three Little Birds” – both claimed the prestigious Mayor Award.
“Going two-for-two feels awesome,” Courtney told those on the local float committee during the January committee meeting. “Thank you everyone.”
She will continue to orchestrate the year-end popular Crunch Time Party, a major fundraiser featuring dinner and silent and live auction, at the War Memorial Building. Following the event, many attendees walk only steps away and watch as volunteers feverishly work on South Pasadena’s float under a giant tent at the site’s parking lot.
Taking notice of this year’s achievement was South Pasadena City Councilmember Dr. Marina Khubesrian, the liaison to the council, who watched from the grandstands as the float successfully moved down the parade route.
“It was beautiful,” she told SPTOR committee members at the monthly meeting. “There was a vintage flavor to this float. It was very unique and stood out.”
South Pasadena’s creation – “Victory at Last” – was a salute to Women’s Suffrage, reflecting on the 19th Amendment to the U.S. Constitution granting American women the right to vote, ending almost a century of protest.
“People reacted emotionally to it in a way I thought was genuine,” continued Khubesrian. “I was really proud. You [the committee] all did an amazing job. It’s so much work and I see that. It brings the community together in such a powerful way. Congratulations. Great job.”
Courtney Dunlap stressed the importance of finding new volunteers who want to be a part of the float experience. The committee meets the first Tuesday of the month at 7:30 p.m. in the council chambers at City Hall. The public is invited.
“We need to spread the word that new people are welcome,” she said. “We’re looking for help and I hope they will come to a future meeting and find out what we’re all about.”
To become a part of the city’s float, go to SPTOR.com and reach out by providing your name and email in the area reading: “Contact Us” and click on Submit.
