Pave the Way to the Parade for the South Pasadena Float

The final countdown begins now for the city’s Tournament of Roses Parade. South Pasadena’s own self-built entry will ride along Colorado Boulevard in the annual parade on Jan. 1. A frame chassis is rapidly being transformed into a colorful float titled “Boogie Fever.” There are fewer than 60 days left before showtime.
Members of the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee build and decorate the entry each year and raise the funds to pay expenses. Costs include funding the purchase of flowers, other natural materials, supplies and services. Volunteers povide all the labor.
Around $150,000 is needed to cover the costs. This is where supporters of South Pasadena come in.
“For the past 113 years, the South Pasadena community has supported our tradition of building our own float for the Rose Parade,” said Ed Donnelly, SPTOR president. “Every inch is hand-built by volunteers, and we rely on the generosity of our neighbors to help us raise the funds to keep our city represented on Jan. 1.”
Here are four ways to continue this cherished tradition:

1. Buy a raffle ticket to the “Ultimate Tournament of Roses Experience.” First prize is four tickets to the Rose Bowl game between the 40- and 50-yard lines. Second prize is four VIP tickets to the Rose Parade in the reviewing section. Third prize is $300 in cash. Tickets cost $100, and only 250 will be sold. The ticket drawing will be held during a December City Council meeting. To purchase a ticket, contact Alan Vlacich at avlacich@gmail.com or go to sptor.org to pay by PayPal (leave box blank if no salesperson). To pay by check, make it payable to SPTOR and mail to SPTOR, P.O. Box 3662, South Pasadena, CA 91031.
2. Attend the Crunch Time Dinner Party, 6-10 p.m. on Dec. 29. The theme is “disco” to reflect the float title “Boogie Fever,” after a No. 1 hit song from the 1970s. Attendees are encouraged to dress in the era’s styles. Crunch Time is an annual tradition attended by South Pasadena float supporters. Dinner will be catered by StoneFire Grill. Beer, wine and a signature cocktail will be sold. Silent and live auctions are part of the event, and an online auction will be available for a week starting Dec. 27. Admission is $75 and seating is limited. Purchase is available via PayPal at sptor.org/Events or by check. Checks can be made out to SPTOR and send to SPTOR, P.O. Box 3662, South Pasadena, CA 91031. Contact wende@sptor.org for more information.
3. Volunteer to help build or decorate the float. Go to sptor.org/Volunteer to obtain information and to sign up to decorate (four-hour shifts). For those interested in volunteering for construction, email construction@sptor.org.
4. Buy merch and See’s Candy. Purchase unique South Pasadena merchandise, including mugs, travel coffee cups, ornaments, caps, sweatshirts, polo shirts and 2024 South Pas logo-themed pins. Selections of See’s Candies treats and gift certificates are also available to be ordered by Nov. 22, which can be picked up at souvenir booth. Visit sptor.org/Support Us, then select “Click Here to Shop Our Souvenir Booth.” Individuals can also shop at the booth in person at the War Memorial Building float site.
   Visitors are welcome to stop by to observe the float-creation process at the site at the War Memorial Building at 435 Fair Oaks Ave. A large tent in the parking lot houses the work in progress.
   “The South Pasadena entry has been part of the parade longer than any of the other floats. Over the years, it has won numerous awards,” said Sally Kilby, spokesperson for SPTOR. “On New Year’s Day, millions will see what a small town and a small band of tireless volunteers can do.”
   
   First published in the November 3 print issue of the South Pasadena Review.