Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Parade, dubbed the “Mother of All Parades, marches at 8am Friday, January 1, 2010. It’s one of biggest annual free things to do in the Los Angeles area!
Captain Chesley “Sully” Sullenberger III, the heroic airline pilot that glided his jet to safety on the Hudson River, is grand marshal of the 121st parade where elaborate floats — no pun intended — are all decorated with flowers and other floral materials. The 2-hour parade of marching bands, high-stepping equestrians and other paraders, promenades down a 5.5-mile route from the corner of Ellis St. and Orange Grove Blvd. north on Orange Grove then east onto Colorado Blvd where the majority of the parade takes place. At the end of the route, the parade turns north onto Sierra Madre Blvd and ends at Sierra Madre and Villa St.
Curbside viewing is on a first-come, first-served basis. Pasadena city ordinance allows the occupancy of curbside space along the parade route beginning at noon Dec. 31 and many folks make a tradition of camping out the night before the parade.
Grandstand tickets are available through Sharp Seating Company, 626.795.4171 but who needs them when you can see the parade for FREE? We recommend finding a spot at the end of the parade route where it will be easier to grab a curbside view.
Need more info? The toll-free hot line for the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl game: 877-793-9911
