Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee

2009 Rotary Rose Parade Float
Frequently Asked Questions

 

   

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Frequently Asked Questions

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History


Does Rotary International pay for the float?

How are the contributions used?

Why do we enter a float in the Rose Parade?

Where can I get information about the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game?

Can I see the float during decoration?

Can I help decorate the float?

How are floats selected for entry into the Rose Parade?

When did Rotary first enter a float in the Rose Parade?

How many people will see the Rotary float?

How can I contact the Rotary Float Committee?

Does Rotary International pay for the float

No.  Rotary International endorses the Rotary Rose Float, but Rotarians in the United States and Canada donate all of the money to pay for the float. 

See the Contributions page for more information. 

How are the contributions used?

Approximately ninety three percent of the money raised goes directly into building, decorating and entering the float in the parade. The other seven percent pays for raising the money. None of the money raised for float construction is spent on professional staff or committee perks.

Why do we enter a float in the Rose Parade?

Paul Harris said, "In the promotion of Rotary, it is important to reach large numbers and you cannot reach them privately."

When Rotary International's directors approved the first entry in the parade over 20 years ago, they saw in it an unrivaled opportunity to bring Rotary's name into public view. They reasoned that an eye-catching float would capture the interest of network commentators and remind the world, of Rotary's good works. And so it has!

Again, last year the Rose Parade scored a new record viewing audience; over 100 million in the United States and another 300 million around the world in more than 100 countries.  For the 24th consecutive year Rotary again proudly presents its float to North America and the world .

And each year, more Rotary clubs enthusiastically contribute financial support to this most important Rotary public relations project.

Where can I get information about the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game?

Visit the Tournament of Roses website: www.tournamentofroses.com 

Can I see the float during decoration?

See the Viewing the Float page for information.   Each year, over 100,000 people view the float under construction.

Can I help decorate the float

Yes. See the Decoration Schedule page on this website.  You will be able to volunteer on-line to decorate the float.

How are floats selected for entry into the Rose Parade

The Tournament of Roses selects applications for Rose Parade Floats carefully. There are about 60 floats in the Tournament of Roses Parade each year. Floats are sponsored by municipalities, community volunteer organizations and commercial sector.

Rotary International is fortunate to be one the three service clubs invited to appear in the parade.  We are very proud to be a part of the prestigious Tournament of Roses New Year's Day Parade.

When did Rotary first enter a float in the Rose Parade

While watching the 1979 Pasadena Rose Parade on Television, Jack Gilbert, who was President of the Wilshire Rotary Club, in Los Angeles, California, and subsequently chairman of the Float Committee, had an idea.  Rotary would be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 1980. Jack believed that by entering a float in the 1980 New Year's Day Rose Parade, Rotary could communicate its message, "Service Above Self" to millions of  people worldwide.

Jack shared his vision with other Rotarians, who supported the idea. Seven Governors in Southern California agreed to underwrite the cost of the float and make up any shortfall not covered by Club contributions.  Fortunately, the Clubs contributed  $35,000 which covered the full cost of the original float. 

This first Tournament of Roses experience lead to the formation of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee which now receives contributions each year from approximately 3,000 Rotary Clubs to fund the Rotary International float.  Rotary has entered a float every year since 1980.  See the  History page for pictures and descriptions of previous floats.

How many people will see the Rotary float?

Over 425 million people see the Rose Parade New Year's Day. 

The Rose Parade is seen by an estimated U.S. audience of 40 million people and an estimated international audience of more than 300 million in over 150 countries. The Pasadena Police Department estimates that approximately one million spectators view the Rose Parade in person. Another 200,000 visit the Post Parade Float Viewing Area where the floats are on display for several days. Following the parade is the Rose Bowl Football Game, the "Granddaddy of all Bowl Games," which is viewed by about 1/3 of those who viewed the parade. 

This means that your Rotary International float is seen more than the Rose Bowl is!

The A.C. Nielsen Company's combined national rating for the Tournament of Roses Parade as broadcast by the three major US networks (ABC, CBS, and NBC) was 16.5 for a share of 37.

See the Viewing the Float and Parade page for additional information about viewing the float being decorated, in person on January 1 and on television.

How can I contact the Rotary Float Committee?

Ray Bushnell, Chairman, 2007-2008
Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, Inc.
P.O. Box 92502
Pasadena, CA 91109-2502
chair@rotaryfloat.org

 

The Rotary Rose Parade Float is not an official Rotary International program.