South Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Believes City has Winning Float

Tournament of Roses judges come to South Pasadena Monday Morning to inspect city’s entry in final judging for the 130th Rose Parade.

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com News | “Three Little Birds” is the name of South Pasadena’s float in the 2019 Rose Parade.

Some laughed, others cried out of joy as Tournament of Roses judges came to South Pasadena early Monday morning to give their second and final inspection before honoring the top floats with awards in Tuesday’s 130th running of the Rose Parade.

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com | Some of those who worked on South Pasadena’s float gathered in front of the city’s entry on Monday morning following the final judging by Tournament of Roses officials.

One judge gave a thumbs up as she walked back into a van carrying TOR officials from one float to another in a daylong effort to seek out the top floats. Another tapped one foot listening to the lively sounds coming from the city’s entry.

“I think we’ve got an award winner,” South Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Courtney Dunlap declared after one of the judges rang a bell signaling the end to the five minute inspection of the city’s float, entitled, “Three Little Birds.”

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PHOTO: Southpasadenan.com News | South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee members pose for a picture in front of the 2019 City float.

Dunlap said she was proud to be associated with the float’s Construction Chair Chris Colburn, Decoration Chair Janet Benjamin and all those who contributed in making the finished product “awesome. Everyone did such a great job.”

South Pas proudly has the oldest parade in the parade. “I’m ecstatic,” said Paul Abbey, a longtime construction crewmember for the local float.

Abbey called it a labor of love.

“We were up all night finishing it up and its ready to go. We’ve got a real winner on our hands here. Everyone is going to respond well to it.”

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com | Mayor Pro Tem Robert Joe, SPTOR President Courtney Dunlap, and City Councilmembers Diana Mahmud and Dr. Richard Schneider stand in front of South Pasadena’s float.

The city’s float is inspired by the Bob Marley song, serving as a reminder to be thankful for what you have and those around you.

South Pasadena City Councilmember Diana Mahmud said called what she saw “a pretty spectacular float. It’s such a positive reflection of our city. I hope all this hard work is paid off with an award.”

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com News | South Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Courtney Dunlap met with TOR officials who judged the city’s float on Monday morning in anticipation to the 130th Rose Parade.
PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com News | Tournament of Roses officials got of a bus Monday morning to judge South Pasadena’s entry in the 130th Rose Parade.
PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com News | Take a look at South Pasadena’s float that will roll down Colorado Blvd. in the 130th Rose Parade on Tuesday.
PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com News | Mike Mera designed South Pasadena’s entry – “Three Little Birds” – in the 2019 Rose Parade.
PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com | Musical notes on South Pasadena’s float – “Three Little Birds.”
PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com News | Three Little Birds rest on the neck of a guitar on South Pasadena’s float in the Rose Parade.
PHOTO: Bill Glazier | SouthPasadenan.com News | South Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Courtney Dunlap, left, SPTOR Decoration Chair Janet Benjamin, center, and SPTOR Construction Chair Chris Colburn.

3 COMMENTS

  1. I am always sooooo very proud to see South Pasadena’s float in the Rose Parade and this year is no different. You all outdid yourselves and I thank you. I was raised in SP back in 1950-72 and although I’ve lived in Oregon for the last 47 years, my heart and memories are back in CA remembering being there working on the float with my parents, twin sister,
    and all the good ol’ years… Thanks for your work and dedication! I salute you…