YARD SALE FUNDRAISER | Rose Parade Float Builders Sale on May 19-20

Proceeds will go to building and decorating the SPTOR float in the 2024 Rose Parade.

PHOTO: Henk Friezer | The South Pasadenan | Giant rummage sales fundraiser in 2022 at the War Memorial Bldg. on Fair Oaks for the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Float.

News provided by SPTOR

The community is invited to a giant yard sale at the War Memorial Building this month to raise funds for South Pasadena’s iconic self-built float. The two-day event will be held on Friday and Saturday, May 19 and 20. Items are needed for the sale and can be donated at the site May 16-18.

In order for the South Pasadena float to ride down Colorado Boulevard in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Jan. 1, more than $100,000 must be raised by the 17-member float committee. These funds pay for flowers, steel and supplies. All labor is volunteer.

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“We hope to bring in several thousands of dollars,” said Steve Fillingham, yard sale co-coordinator and member of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee (SPTOR). “That will help kick off our fundraising efforts for this year.” Last year, more than $9,000 was raised from two yard sales, he said. Some 200 shoppers came each day, he estimated.

PHOTO: Bill Glazier | South Pasadenan.com News | The City of South Pasadena earned the Bob Hope Humor Award in 2023 for featuring the most whimsical and amusing float in the parade.

Fillingham said he hosts the sale with Janet Benjamin, his co-coordinator and longtime SPTOR committee member. Additional volunteers are badly needed to help, he said, especially when the sale ends Saturday, and the team must clear out the building that evening.

The War Memorial Building is at 435 Fair Oaks Ave. On Friday,  May 19, the sale will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. On Saturday, May 20, the hours will run from 8 a.m. until 5 p.m. Parking is available in the parking lot and on Fair Oaks Avenue. Fillingham advises those parking on Fair Oaks to “turn your wheels to the curb.”

All sale items are donated by community members. Collectibles, tools, electronics, antiques, furniture, dishware, jewelry, children’s items and many other treasures can be found at the “garage sale on steroids”— all at a good price. After expenses, all proceeds go toward putting the float on Colorado Boulevard.

Clear Out Items and Donate to a Good Cause 

“This is a good opportunity for people to clear out unwanted stuff,” Fillingham said. “People call me all year asking when the sale will be. This is their chance.”

“Since many residents find it hard to transport the items here,” he said, “we rent a U-Haul and offer to pick up their bulky items.” (Request a pickup at sftballsteve@aol.com .)

“The yard sale benefits those wanting to get rid of stuff,” he said, “those looking for bargains, and of course, the float.” Importantly, he added, “it builds camaraderie between the float group and the community.”

Donation drop-off dates and times are as follows:

Tuesday        May 16           4 to 6 p.m.

Wednesday   May 17           5 to 8 p.m.

Thursday       May 18           4 to 8 p.m.

He said large appliances, entertainment centers, mattresses and box springs cannot be accepted. All donations are tax deductible. For more information, contact Fillingham at sftballsteve@aol.com .

A second fundraiser is planned for later in the year, Fillingham said, perhaps after the 4th of July.

PHOTO: Henk Friezer | The South Pasadenan | Giant rummage sales fundraiser in 2022 at the War Memorial Bldg. on Fair Oaks for the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade Float.