After a post-COVID dip in Rose Parade attendance, crowds appeared to climb back to pre-pandemic levels on a crisp, cold but rain-free New Year’s Day 2024.
And just like that, the Tournament of Roses has begun.
The crowds Monday morning were music to the ears of parade organizers. And that was more than apt, because this year’s theme is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.”
Of course, there were tunes galore. From scheduled performers Destiny’s Child veteran Michelle Williams, “The Voice” title-winner Cassadee Pope and “American Idol” winner Jordin Sparks. From musically themed floats featuring a guitar-playing bear, a hot jungle band and singing broccoli aboard the Trader Joe’s float. And from miles of marching bands who trekked to the parade from such nearby places as Los Angeles, Corona and, well, Pasadena, and as far away as Texas, Florida and Costa Rica.
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For the Hawaii All State Marching Band, the parade provided a joyous respite after a challenging year for some of its members, still recovering from the Aug. 8 fire in Maui that killed at least 100 people and destroyed more than 2,000 buildings.
Thousands of spectators rang in the New Year camping along the parade route to secure their viewing spot. Millions more around the world are watching on TV, online, and for the first time the Tournament of Roses is livestreaming the parade broadcast.
“I come early every year,” said Miriam Hermoso, 29 of Altadena at around 6 a.m. on Monday. She was prepared for chilly weather.
“Last year I didn’t have a fireplace,” she said, motioning for her family to gather around the fire pit. Even a group next to them on Colorado Boulevard joined her.
“And this year I brought a bigger mattress.”
Broadway legend Audra McDonald, the 2024 grand marshal, was an apt headliner for a march devoted to music with an unrivaled, Tony Award-bedecked resume. Crowds cheered wildly as she passed by…
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