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Media Release
The final countdown begins now for the city float. South Pasadena’s own self-built entry will ride along Colorado Boulevard in the Tournament of Roses Parade on Jan. 1, 2024. A frame chassis is rapidly being transformed into a colorful float titled “Boogie Fever.” There are fewer than 60 days left before “showtime.”
Members of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee build and decorate the entry each year. They also raise the funds to pay expenses. Costs include funding the purchase of flowers, other natural materials, supplies and services. All labor is volunteer.
Around $150,000 is needed to cover the costs. This is where supporters of South Pasadena come in.
Ed Donnelly, SPTOR president, said, “For the past 113 years, the South Pasadena community has supported our tradition of building our own float for the Rose Parade.
Every inch is hand built by volunteers, and we rely on the generosity of our neighbors to help us raise the funds to keep our City represented on Jan. 1.”
Here’s four ways to continue this cherished tradition:
1. Buy a Raffle Ticket to the “Ultimate Tournament of Roses Experience.” First prize is four tickets to the Rose Bowl Game between the 40- and 50-yard lines. Second prize is four VIP tickets to the Rose Parade in the reviewing section. Third is $300 in cash. Ticket cost: $100, and only 250 are sold. Drawing is Dec. 6 at a city council meeting. To purchase, contact Alan Vlacich at avlacich@gmail.com or go to sptor.org to pay by PayPal (leave box blank if no salesperson). To pay by check: make check payable to SPTOR and mail it to SPTOR, PO Box 3662, South Pasadena CA 91031.
2. Attend the Crunch Time Dinner Party time 6-10 p.m. Dec. 29. The theme is “disco” to reflect the float title “Boogie Fever,” after a Number One hit song from the 1970s. Attendees are encouraged to dress in the era’s styles. Crunch Time is an annual tradition attended by South Pas float supporters. Dinner will be catered by StoneFire Grill. Beer, wine and a signature cocktail will be sold. Silent and live auctions are part of the event, and an online auction will be available in late December. Admission is $75 and seating is limited. Information will be available at sptor.org/Events. Email wende@sptor.org for event information; etphonhom@aol.com for ticket information.
3. Volunteer to help build or decorate the float. Go to sptor.org/Volunteer to obtain information and to sign up to decorate in four-hour shifts. For those interested in volunteering for construction, email construction@sptor.org .
4. Buy merch & See’s Candy. Purchase unique South Pasadena merchandise, including mugs, travel coffee cups, ornaments, caps, sweatshirts, polo shirts and 2024 South Pas logo theme pins. Selections of See’s candy and gift certificates are also available to be ordered by 11/22 with candy picked up at souvenir booth. Visit sptor.org/Support Us, then select “Click Here to Shop Our Souvenir Booth.” Or shop at the booth at the War Memorial Building float site during work hours (see below).
Pay by credit card online. Checks accepted at the booth.
Although tours are not possible, visitors are welcome to stop by to observe the float-creation process. This takes place at the site adjacent to the War Memorial Building at 435 Fair Oaks Ave. A large tent in the parking lot houses the work in progress. Hours: 6 to 10 p.m. Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings; 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturdays; and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sundays.
The South Pasadena entry has been part of the parade longer than any of the other floats. Over the years, it has won numerous awards. On New Year’s Day, millions will see what a small town and a band of tireless volunteers can do.
Let’s GO, South Pasadena!
