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It takes a whole lot of help, especially in those final days, hours and minutes before the City of South Pasadena unveils its float to the world for the grandeur and pageantry of the 135th annual Rose Parade.
That was the message from Ed Donnelly Tuesday morning as the chair of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses (SPTOR) Committee welcomed the 2024 Rose Court to the float worksite for a tour around of the city entry that will take part in Monday’s New Year’s Day spectacle in Pasadena.
“I wanted to be sure they understood the amount of work it takes for an all-volunteer team to put a float like this together,” explained Donnelly, standing alongside South Pasadena Mayor Evelyn Zneimer. “I wanted them to get some insight into some of the materials that are used, how they are applied, and, most importantly, how proud our community is of this float, how it represents the positivity and optimism we have here.”
All eyes were on Donnelly as the group, including South Pasadena High’s Phoebe Ho, a member of the Rose Court, were given a brief history lesson about the float, the SPTOR chair making it known that the city has the oldest self-built float – completely volunteer driven – in the parade. South Pasadena has been involved in it since 1893 with local businesses taking part, but it was 1911 when the city began the continuous tradition of building floats.
“It’s over a 100 years that we’ve been doing this, and we want to set ourselves up for another 100-year run, at which time it will be way in the future and the float will actually float,” he said, prompting laughter from Rose Court members. “Our goal is that in 2124 the South Pasadena float is still around.”
Among those listening to Donnelly’s float presentation was 2024 Rose Queen Naomi Stillitano, a senior at Arcadia High. She was joined by Ho and other Rose Court members – Trinity Dela Cruz, Marshall Fundamental School; Olivia Bohanec, La Salle College Preparatory; Emmerson Tucker, Blair High; Jessica Powell, Flintridge Preparatory School; and Mia Moore-Walker, Flintridge Preparatory School.
On the go from the time she was selected to the Rose Court, Ho will attend more than 100 community functions like the visit to South Pasadena before her reign ends. As an ambassador representing the Tournament of Roses, she and others on the court will receive a $7,500 educational scholarship in anticipation to college.
She is a captain of the dance program at South Pasadena High, a member of the San Marino Dance Academy, and a longtime Girl Scout, where she looks to earn her Gold Award – the highest honor in the organization.
In addition, she serves as secretary of the Femineers at SPHS, lends her hand at the American Red Cross and is a board member of Asian Pacific Islander Student Union.
Along with her interests in dance, Ho enjoys a good book, photography, baking and studying biomedical engineering, leaning toward staying in either California or moving to New York to pursue a college degree.
Yet, she’s keeping her options open. “I’ll go to anybody who takes me,” she said when asked where she might wind up. “West Coast, East Coast – anywhere.”
The South Pasadena resident went to Marengo Elementary School before going to the local middle school and high school. The proud daughter of Philip and Pauline Ho, and sister to brother Philson, very well could have been contributing behind the scenes with others on the city’s entry this year.
“Honestly, if I didn’t get on the [Rose] Court, I’d be working on this float,” she said.
Growing up watching the Rose Parade, this year promises to be a little extra special as Ho takes it all in aboard a rose covered floral masterpiece topped with a jewel crown.
“It’s really going to be fun,” she said, looking ahead to the parade. “The anticipation is building. It’s going to be very surreal, and in that moment something I will remember for the rest of my life.”
One of the last acts culminating her Rose Court role will be attending the 110th Rose Bowl Game Monday afternoon between Michigan and Alabama, a CFP semifinal to help decide college football’s national champion.
“Boogie Fever,” the name of South Pasadena’s float, is a classic hit from the 1970’s, and will blare from speakers down the parade route. It depicts a group of animals playing musical instruments after placing the record from the Sylvers on a vintage turntable that has fallen from a cargo plane. The design was submitted by Anne Mueller and enhanced by artist Renee Hoss-Johnson.
“They are playing and singing along,” enthused Donnelly. “I think it’s going to be another great float.”
Not long after Monday’s parade, work on the next one will begin. In early January, committee members will review designs for the next parade. When summertime rolls around the actual physical construction starts in earnest, ensuring the engines are in good working order, followed by the building process throughout the fall. By the time the calendar turns to Thanksgiving, the decoration team is in high gear as paint and natural products find their way on the float in the days leading up to what commonly known as “Crunch Time” when fresh flowers arrive and the countdown is on. There’s a whirlwind of activity as the clock ticks down on the time when the float is driven into position for the official launch on Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena.
To pay for it, which can traditionally exceeds well over $100,000 in total cost, SPTOR committee members hold a series of fundraisers throughout the year, none larger than the Crunch Time Party on December 29, a dinner, and silent and live auction inside the War Memorial Building.
“That’s a major effort in providing us the necessary funds to build something this immense,” Donnelly said, adding that a golf tournament, See’s Candies sales during key holidays, a yard sale, sponsorship opportunities and more, along with donations from the public, all add significantly to the effort.
“Celebrating a World of Music” is the overall theme of this year’s Rose Parade and easy choice by Alex Aghajanian, the president of the Tournament of Roses. Homegrown in Pasadena, the tradition of hearing the lively sounds of Rose Parades over the years has left a lasting impact, Aghajanian recognizing early on in life that music is the universal language.
A long cast of supporters, namely “White Suiters,” all volunteering their time, come together throughout the year and especially on January 1 to selflessly make the iconic event special for millions around the globe, watching on television or on the sidelines as dozens of floats, equestrian units and bands roll down the 5-1/2 mile route along Colorado Boulevard.
“The 2024 theme brings us together through music,” noted Aghajanian. “In a world of different cultures, beliefs, hopes, and dreams, one language unites us all – music. The sound, texture, rhythm, form, harmony, and expression meld together to move, soothe, excite and delight the world.”
Before putting South Pasadena’s float in the 50th position for the next Rose Parade, volunteers will have to endure another “Crunch Time,” when stress levels reach a peak, pressure mounts and there’s a heightened sense of urgency with time running out to meet the deadline.
“We’re in the thick of it right now,” Donnelly assured, looking at three young lady workers painting one of the animal characters. “This is crunch time. We have an enormous amount of work to do it in a limited amount of time. We have a float that’s 47-feet long, 18-feet wide and 25-feet tall that needs to be covered in flowers by next Monday. So, our volunteers are here and they are working hard this week as we get into the final hours.”
He’s counting on the community, joining many people in neighboring cities, along with some traveling long distances from around the country to help get it done.
“Yes, the crunch is on!” Donnelly insisted. “We’re feeling it!”
Visit these articles for information on the Crunch Time Party and Online Auction.
