Everything’s coming up roses for the 2024 Rose Parade — plus carnations, daisies, marigolds and many other types of flowers, too! That’s how things roll in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.
With “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language” as the theme, parade fans can expect lots of musical performances, including ones by Destiny’s Child icon Michelle Williams, “The Voice” champion Cassadee Pope and, in the grand finale, “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks.
What follows is a look at the floats, bands, equestrian units and more, in the order they’re expected to appear along the 5.5-mile parade route. (Note: The lineup is subject to change, even as late as the morning of the parade.)
Pre-parade A. Sound car
Pre-parade B. Pace car
1-a. Rose Parade Opening Spectacular, presented by Honda
1-b. American Honda
Keep Dreaming
(Artistic Entertainment Services)
As a Rose Parade presenting sponsor, the Honda float is the first one to roll down Colorado Boulevard and does not compete in the judging process. The company first collaborated with the Tournament of Roses in advance of the 1962 procession, when it provided two-wheeled vehicles for parade officials — something it still does to this day. It also provides multi-utility vehicles for event operations.
1-c. U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber flyover
Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri
An exhilarating Tournament of Roses tradition, a flyover of the giant stealth bomber to open the parade was put on hiatus last year due to Air Force safety inspections. But for 2024, it will return, flying in from Whiteman Air Force Base in Missouri, to the delight of crowds along Colorado Boulevard and a worldwide TV audience.
2. United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard
Barstow
Formed in 1967 to promote the Marine Corps Logistics Base in Barstow at community-sponsored events, this is the last remaining mounted unit in the Marine Corps, and continues to play a key role as a recruitment…
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