The parade floats depart Irwindale, delighting crowds on New Year's Eve.
On December 31, 2024, Irwindale, California became a hub of celebration as the countdown to the annual Rose Parade commenced. Spectators gathered to witness the departure of 17 stunningly decorated floats from the Phoenix Decorating Company, marking the beginning of a cherished tradition. The slow-paced journey to Pasadena highlighted the artistry and volunteer spirit behind each float as families engaged in the festive atmosphere. This event promises to become a popular New Year’s Eve tradition for many, showcasing creativity and community pride.
Irwindale, California was filled with excitement on December 31, 2024, as the countdown to the annual Rose Parade began in style! Hundreds of eager spectators gathered at the Phoenix Decorating Company to witness a spectacular sight: the departure of the beautifully decorated floats that are sure to dazzle at the parade.
The event was a parade in itself, featuring a convoy of 17 stunning floats that represent the creativity and passion of countless volunteers. Each float is a true work of art, designed to bring joy and a sense of wonder to the visitors and participants of the 136th Rose Parade taking place in Pasadena. It’s amazing to think about the craftsmanship and detail that goes into each design as they make their way to the parade route!
Families, friends, and dedicated parade enthusiasts lined the streets in anticipation. Among them were the Magallanez couple from Ontario, who arrived bright and early at 8 a.m. to soak in the festive atmosphere. The excitement was palpable! The atmosphere was filled with laughter and chatter as people snapped photos, shared stories, and reveled in the thrill of being part of this unique experience. Everyone enjoyed the festive energy leading up to this incredible New Year’s Eve tradition.
The float convoy might have only covered about 15 miles from Irwindale to Pasadena, but the journey was not a speed one! It typically took around 5 to 6 hours to navigate the route, crawling along at a leisurely pace of just 2.5 to 3.5 miles per hour. With law enforcement from both Irwindale and Pasadena ensuring the floats moved safely, the journey became part of the celebration itself, with onlookers cheering as the floats made their way down the road.
One interesting fact for float fans: these mobile masterpieces must measure no more than 16 feet, 6 inches tall to fit under traffic signals. Yet, when fully decorated, it’s not uncommon for some floats to exceed this height. For instance, take a look at the float titled “More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years” by Kaiser Permanente, which tips the height scale at an impressive 28 feet. Talk about making a grand entrance!
As buzz swirled around the festivities, many people like Ting Yang and Grace Alba shared their excitement for seeing the floats depart, stating their preference for this pre-parade event over the packed Rose Parade itself. It’s a delightful way to embrace the parade’s artistry without the frantic rush of the main event!
Behind every float is a team of dedicated volunteers who play an essential role in the decoration process. With creative ideas, patience, and a passion for beauty, these volunteers truly bring the floats to life as they turn raw materials into stunning creations. Phoenix Decorating Company was responsible for decorating a whopping 18 of the 40 floats participating in this year’s parade – that’s a lot of teamwork!
This year also saw an exciting collaboration with the Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, who teamed up with Phoenix Decorating to create a float inspired by the beloved show “Wicked”, set to be featured in the 2025 Rose Parade. Such partnerships show the incredible imagination and creativity that fuels this magical event!
The emerging popularity of this pre-parade float departure hints that it might just become a cherished New Year’s Eve tradition for many. As the floats take off towards Pasadena, the community atmosphere fosters excitement and admiration, creating lasting memories for all who attend.
So whether you’re a lifelong fan of the Rose Parade or a newcomer to the festivities, Irwindale proved once again that there’s no better way to kick off the New Year than with an awe-inspiring spectacle of creativity and community spirit!
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