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What’s the future of the Rose Parade?
Stay tuned as South Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Brant Dunlap says an announcement regarding the 2021 New Year’s Day spectacle in Pasadena is pending.
There are fears that the coronavirus could postpone or cancel the major event that got its start in 1890.
“My latest conversation with (the) Tournament is they will make their decision around mid-July,” said Dunlap in a note to SPTOR committee. “Originally the goal was by the 4th (of July).”
The biggest concern for local float builders lies with how to pay for the city’s entry with an annual price tag of $80,000 to $100,000 when it comes steel and flowers.
Labor? Zero, as volunteers put in long hours over the course of the year from its concept sketch to creating a floral masterpiece ready for a 5 ½-mile journey down Colorado Boulevard to the fanfare of millions watching on national television and thousands more along the parade route.
“Fundraising has not happened at all,” said Dunlap, saying that the prospect of a golf tournament this year is doubtful and the Cruz’n For Roses Hot Rod and Classic Car Show “will be quite different this year,” adding that more on the differences will come at a later date.
A raffle for game and parade tickets that has the potential to raise $20,000 each year could be in jeopardy as well as the year-end Crunch Time Party, a dinner silent/live auction at the War Memorial Building that traditionally brings in top dollars in support of the local float.
“Regardless, we must continue being creative to raise funds,” offered Dunlap.
In other news, Dunlap recognized SPTOR Committee member John Vandercook, the owner of Reimagine Your Home — a wall and covering company on Mission Street — who is retiring after 27 years in business at the end of the month. He and his wife, Peggy, are off to new adventures.
For the second straight year, the SPTOR received a generous $10,000 grant donation from the John C. Hench Foundation, which gives primarily to medical research, education, and the arts.
“A very special thanks to the Foundation and its board members for their kindness,” said Dunlap of the San Marino organization. “Also, special thanks to (SPTOR) Design Co-chair Lisa Henderson who sits on the board and supplied us with the information needed.”
South Pasadena Tournament of Roses committee members have not met as a group since March. “Hopefully we can meet on our next scheduled August 4th date,” said Dunlap.
