Susie Fundter meticulously glues dried flowers onto a tiger, a key component of the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance float for the upcoming 2025 Rose Parade at the Rosemont Pavilion in Pasadena. The city is buzzing with excitement as an army of dedicated volunteers, like Val Peacock and Heath Swan, pour their hearts and souls into the intricate decoration process for the 39 floral-covered floats set to grace the parade on New Year’s Day.
Volunteers Unite for a Spectacular Event
The vibrant energy of volunteers, such as David Shaw, Margarita Robertson, and Sean Robertson, is palpable as they work tirelessly on floats like the City of Torrance entry and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance masterpiece. From gluing split peas to pressing seeds and filling water vials, every detail is meticulously attended to with love and dedication.
Behind the Scenes at Rosemont Pavilion
At the heart of the action, Artistic Entertainment Services employees like Teresa Bollier and Heidi Linfield are hard at work prepping flowers in the flower tent, ensuring that every petal is in its rightful place. The atmosphere is electric as a towering figure of Elvis Presley watches over the volunteers, adding a touch of whimsy to the intense decorating process.
Capturing the Magic Through Photography
Seasoned photojournalist Brian van der Brug from the Los Angeles Times has been capturing the essence of the Rose Parade preparations since 1997. His photos immortalize the dedication, creativity, and passion of the volunteers who bring these stunning floats to life. Through his lens, the world gets a glimpse of the behind-the-scenes magic that makes the Rose Parade a truly unforgettable experience.
As you marvel at the beauty and artistry of the Rose Parade floats this year, take a moment to appreciate the countless hours of hard work and dedication that volunteers like Susie, Val, David, Margarita, Sean, Kate, Sophia, Teresa, and Heidi have poured into creating these masterpieces. Their passion shines through in every petal, seed, and split pea, making the Rose Parade a celebration of community spirit and artistic excellence.