In a matter of months, with an uptick in construction activity set to begin after the Fourth of July, South Pasadena’s float entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade will begin to turn from “The beast” into a colorful beauty,” describes Ed Donnelly, the man at the helm of the local organization responsible for its completion.
Donnelly, the president of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee, will be among those riding atop the float’s chassis, or underbelly minus the flowers and decorations, during the Festival of Balloons Parade on Independence Day, calling attention to just how much work needs to be done as spectators lining the city’s Mission Street see little more than an engine, four tires and a cheering group of volunteers, who will soon work tirelessly in the year’s remaining months to create a floral masterpiece ahead of the 136th annual event on January 1, 2025.
“After July Fourth, we begin to work in earnest to building this year’s design,” Donnelly explained. “Our tent goes up at the War Memorial Building on August 1, and soon enough we will be working to the final hours of Dec. 31 before heading up to “TV Corner” on Colorado Boulevard” in anticipation to the New Year’s Day extravaganza.
That’s why Donnelly likes to say it turns from “beast into a colorful beauty,” ever grateful for the hundreds who come out, putting in the long hours, day and night, weekends included, pouring thousands of hours into the end product. The team of talent is aiming to step up the work pace in the coming days as it focuses on South Pasadena’s newest design – “Seas the Day” – featuring a duck, frog and turtle on board a raft, heading for an adventure.
Throughout the year, a series of major fundraisers are held, from a successful golf tournament, raffle for Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game tickets, to a year-end silent and live auction called the Crunch Time party, all designed to defray the cost of paying for steel, flowers and materials needed in the float’s development that can reach as much as the $150,000 mark.
A solid first step in paying off that expense was made last Saturday after the popular golf tourney at Arroyo Seco Golf Course in South Pasadena attracted 120 players and raised roughly $15,000, according to event chair Alan Vlacich, thanks to green fees, sponsorship signs, a collection of raffle items displayed and the sale of 50/50 raffle tickets. The name sponsor was Shaw, Moses, Mendenhall & Associates, an insurance company in town that has backed many local events over the years, especially in the days when its owner, the late Ted Shaw, a former South Pasadena mayor, was once a spirited force, often making personal calls to those he could count to participate and ensure its success.
A key element to the tourney each year is a hole in one contest, sponsored by Mamma’s Brick Oven Pizza, on one of the par 3’s that puts $10,000 in a player’s pocket with the perfect shot.
The team of Bryce Quinn, Jason Gautereaux, David Sanchez, and Rob Claire won this year’s tournament, a signature city attraction since1988. Vlacich, committed to making it a memorable experience for those taking part, believes its popularity is a result of it attracting people of all ages and skill levels.
The way of thinking is seconded by Donnelly, now in his second year overseeing the SPTOR.
“The SPTOR Golf Tournament draws a great crowd every year because it is a friendly competition on a familiar hometown course,” he explained. “We see the same foursomes return again and again.”
It’s also a day when Donnelly and Vlacich pass along their appreciation to those who helped to make it happen, as many at the course arrived early and stayed late, all in support of a longtime tradition that gives the city special recognition every January. One in particular earning accolades was Carrie Russell, who served in Vlacich’s sidekick role, taking on numerous organizing tasks.
teammate Jason Gautereaux
“On behalf of the entire volunteer team,” Donnelly noted, “we would like to thank all of the sponsors who bought tee signs and every player who was swinging a club for supporting our efforts to build another great South Pas float.”
