Media Release
A panel of extraordinary creative minds has been selected to bring their creative and horticultural expertise to the Rose Parade® presented by Honda. The 2027 Float Awards will be announced January 1, 2027, on the front steps of Tournament House in Pasadena.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is proud to announce Karen Marshall, Ania Norwood and Adam Schwerner as the distinguished judges who will determine the 2027 Float Awards for the 138th Rose Parade on New Year’s Day.
The three judges have experience in horticulture, floral design, creative direction and visual storytelling. Their diverse backgrounds will help them recognize the skill, creativity and artistry in the floats that will bring the 2027 theme, “Welcome,” to life on Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena.
“We’re thrilled to welcome Adam, Ania and Karen as our 2027 Float Awards judges,” said Terry Madigan, 2027 Tournament of Roses President. “Their diverse professional experience and creative perspectives make for a strong team, and we’re confident they will bring a thoughtful eye to recognizing the extraordinary artistry, craftsmanship and innovation behind this year’s floats.”
Each year, the Float Awards honor the outstanding work of the Rose Parade’s float designers, builders, decorators and volunteers. The panel chooses 24 awards that highlight excellence in categories like Float Design, Floral Presentation and Entertainment Value. The top honor is the Sweepstakes Trophy, given to the float that shows the highest level of beauty in design, floral presentation and entertainment.
2027 Rose Parade Float Judges
Karen Marshall is the Co-founder of Fleurs de Villes, the internationally acclaimed floral show brand creating spectacular fresh floral experiences that celebrate local floral artistry and bring people together through flowers. Over the past decade, Fleurs de Villes has presented more than 170 floral shows and experiences across five countries, showcasing the artistry of over 1,600 floral designers through original exhibition themes and major cultural and entertainment collaborations. With years of experience in magazine publishing, Marshall has a sharp eye for design, storytelling, style and connecting with audiences. As a competition judge, she values more than just beauty. She looks for creativity, skill, technical excellence, and originality, especially when a design tells a strong story, creates an experience, and leaves a lasting impression.
Ania Norwood, CCF, CFD, AIFD, EMC, IMF, is known worldwide for her floral design. Since starting her career in 2007, she has earned many professional certifications and, in 2026, graduated cum laude with the International Master Florist diploma under the guidance of Gregor Lersch. Norwood has competed, taught, and presented at major floral events around the world, and her work has appeared in international publications. With a background in architecture and civil engineering, she brings a unique sense of structure, proportion, space, and mechanics to her designs. These skills have also helped her when working on Rose Parade floats.
Adam Schwerner, MBA, is the President and CEO of San Diego Botanic Garden. He is known across the country as a horticulturist, artist, designer, and executive, with more than 30 years of experience creating unique spaces, and experiences. Before coming to San Diego Botanic Garden, Schwerner was the Director of Horticulture and Resort Enhancement at Disneyland Resort, where he managed horticulture, landscaping, facilities, and visual storytelling throughout the resort. Earlier, while leading the Chicago Park District, he combined art, culture and natural resources in one of the country’s largest urban park systems. As an artist at heart, Schwerner sees horticulture as a way to tell stories, using creativity and nature to design spaces that spark curiosity and help people connect.
For complete biographies of the 2027 Float Judges, please visit their website.
On Friday, January 1, 2027, the 138th Rose Parade presented by Honda will once again transform Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard into a spectacular showcase of imagination, artistry and floral artistry.
Beginning at 8:00 a.m. PST, America’s New Year Celebration® will welcome millions of viewers around the world for a tradition unlike any other.
FTD® is the official floral partner of the Tournament of Roses and sponsor of the Rose Parade Float Awards. The iconic American company has been a valued partner of the Rose Parade for more than 70 years. FTD brings their exquisite floral vision to life on the antique cars used in the Rose Parade which carries Rose Parade VIPs down Colorado Blvd., including the Grand Marshal, Tournament of Roses President and the Mayor of Pasadena.
