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 the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee first enter a float in the Rose Parade?
How
many people will see the float?
How can I contact the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee?
Does
Rotary International pay for the float?
Rotarians, Clubs and Districts in the
United States and Canada donate all of the money to pay for the float.
How
are the contributions used?
Approximately ninety-three
percent of the money raised goes to costs directly into building,
decorating and entering the float in the parade. The balance of the
funds raised pay for business, banking, insurance and other
miscellaneous costs related to the float and hosting the RI President
while attending the parade and other related activities. 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 32 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
Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee scored a new record viewing
audience; over 47 million in the United States and another 300
million around the world in more than 220 countries. For the 33th
consecutive year the Committee again proudly presents its float to
North America and the world . And each year, more 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 and
Signup pages on this website. You will be
able to volunteer on-line to decorate the float starting August 1 of
each year. Appproximately 1000 Rotary Family Volunteers help prepare
and/or apply the organic materials to the float. This year we will be
helping to decorate another float for the Rose Parade and will be
using close to 2000 Rotarian Volunteers!
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.
We are fortunate to be to
appear in the parade and are very proud to be a part of the
prestigious Tournament of Roses New Year's Day Parade.
When
did the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee 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 Rotary Rose Parade 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 8 Rotary Districts and an additional 700 Individual
Rotary Clubs to fund the float. The Committee 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 float?
Over 300 million people see the
Rose Parade New Year's Day.
The Rose Parade is seen by an
estimated U.S. audience of 47 million people and an estimated
international audience of more than 300 million in over 220
countries. The Pasadena Police Department estimates that
approximately 700,000 spectators view the Rose Parade in person.
Another 150,000 visit the Parade Float Decorating Sites and/or the
Post Parade Float Viewing Area where the floats are on display for
two days
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?
Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, Inc.
P.O. Box 92502
Pasadena, CA 91109-2502
chair@rotaryfloat.org
