Every fall, Rose Parade lovers start speculating.
What fascinating, potentially famous person will lead the Colorado Boulevard brigade in a vehicle bedecked with floral sprays?
Who will be the man, woman, group or inanimate object of the moment helming the 5.5-mile New Year’s Day global extravaganza?
Will a solo grand marshal get the honor? Or will it be a group of notables? Or could it be a beloved character such as Mickey Mouse (2005) or Kermit the Frog (1996)?
And, though speculation about the “who” is most intriguing, the “how” a grand marshal is chosen is a fascinating tale of tradition and perseverence.
It’s well-known among Rose Parade fans that the Tournament of Roses president picks the theme and an accompanying grand marshal.
But, it turns out, the process for selecting the two for a given year’s Rose Parade happens almost a decade prior. And, that’s because Rose Parade theme and grand marshal are inextricably tied to the selection process and ascension of the Tournament of Roses president itself.
Take the case of 2024 Tournament of Roses President Alex Aghajanian.
The attorney and father of three has spent more than half of his life volunteering with the Tournament. Way back at the 100th anniversary of the parade, Aghajanian said, was when he first applied to become a member.
That was 35 years ago.
In those intervening years, Aghajanian rose through the ranks. As all Tournament volunteers do, he began as a “White Suiter.” Those are the people you see in the background every New Year’s Day, directing people, directing traffic or walking or scootering alongside floats.
Over more than two decades, Aghajanian went from provisional member to associate member to voting member to vice-chair to a chair. Then, finally, in 2015, Aghajanian was elected to the executive committee.
Once you’re elected to the executive committee, said Aghajanian, you’re on an eight-year track to becoming Tournament of Roses president.
And, it’s…
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