Rose Parade Floats Head to Pasadena Amid New Year’s Eve Storm

UPDATE: The iconic floats of the Rose Parade are en route to Pasadena as a significant storm impacts Southern California just hours before the event, scheduled for January 1 at 8 a.m.. Volunteers, who have dedicated countless hours to decorating these stunning creations, are now witnessing their hard work make the slow, wet journey through the rain.

Despite the downpour, enthusiastic spectators have braved the weather, many equipped with umbrellas and ponchos. “It’s like being at the parade without having to be at the parade,” said Mark Cook, a resident of Covina. He adds, “And we still get to enjoy the rain.”

Families are camping out along the nearly 6-mile parade route, though the wet conditions have noticeably decreased the number of attendees vying for front-row views. Eric Farr, a Pomona resident, shared, “This is a family tradition. We’ve been doing it for over 10 years. Rain or shine, we do this every year.”

With the rain falling for the first time in two decades during the Rose Parade, authorities are on-site enforcing regulations prohibiting tents or pop-ups along the route. The last occurrence of rain during the parade was in 2006, making this a rare situation for participants and attendees alike.

The storm’s impact has led parade officials to take precautionary measures. The Pasadena Tournament of Roses has confirmed that the more delicate components of the floats will be protected from the rain. The Phoenix Decorating Company has crafted 14 of this year’s elaborate floral floats, all set to arrive in Pasadena by midnight for the public’s viewing pleasure.

Safety is a top priority, especially with thunderstorm predictions looming. Chad Augustin, Pasadena Fire Chief, stated, “When you have a 5 1/2 mile parade route that’s moving, we will rely on our partners at the National Weather Service for real-time updates on the storm.” This ensures that decisions made during the event prioritize public safety amidst the robust weather conditions.

As the floats make their way into Pasadena, the excitement builds for the two-hour spectacle, traditionally attended by hundreds of thousands and watched by millions more on national television. Organizers report that minor adjustments will be made, such as keeping the tops up on the convertibles carrying grand marshals including basketball legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson and other VIPs.

With the parade just hours away, the combination of rain and tradition makes for a unique New Year’s celebration. As anticipation mounts, many are left wondering how the storm will alter the experience.

Stay tuned as the latest updates unfold and watch the Rose Parade live on ABC7 on Thursday morning.