If you want to get close enough to smell the roses, you may have already missed the float (er, boat). But there’s still hope.
There are two ways to see the 135th Rose Parade floats before they meander down Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day. One: Pay $20 to see a slew of them at the Rosemont Pavilion. Two: Grab your scissors and volunteer to help decorate.
Either way, the best slots — those closer to when the floats are in their full blooming glory on Dec. 30 or 31 — are all but gone.
But, there’s still hope, especially for the helpful.
Pay to view
One-hour paid time slots are still available on Dec. 28 and 29 for viewing many floats receiving fresh-flower finishing touches at Rosemont Pavilion, 700 Seco Street, in Pasadena.
Admission is $20 with children 5 and under free. Tickets can be purchased online at sharpseating.com.
Note that timing is strictly monitored and you are encouraged to arrive early for your slot. If you arrive more than 30 minutes after your designated time, you may not be allowed in.
Tickets for Dec. 30 are sold out and the pavilion is closed to the public on Dec. 31.
Work to see
If you want to lend a hand during decorating week, you’ll get to see flowers, seeds, bark, grasses and all forms of organic material being applied to Rose Parade floats.
If you’re lucky, you may get to actually glue seeds onto a portion of a float. But, warn many of the organizers, you’ll likely do a lot of standing around and waiting, too.
There are volunteer shifts available at both the big decorating houses and at cities who participate with “self-built floats.”
In general, you’ll be asked to work a minimum of a 4-hour shift, with some shifts as long as 8 hours. Most float builders have a minimum age requirement — usually 12 or 13 — and adult supervision is required. You’ll be asked to sign a waiver.
In addition, most float builders recommend:
- Wear clothing you don’t mind getting dirty with glue or paint
- Dress…
Read the full article here
