The Rose Parade to Ride Through the Streets of Pasadena on New Years Day

Kendra Beltran

It’s an American tradition as old as time. The Rose Parade will take its 126th ride through the streets of Pasadena on New Year’s Day with almost 40 floats and a Grand Marshal, Louis Zamperini, that truly celebrates this year’s theme, “Inspiring Stories.”

That theme was not only chosen to bring hope to those around the world but as part of a social media campaign presented by Honda. People are encouraged to use #RoseParade and #Inspiring on their social media outlets to share their own accounts. Judges will pick a winner when the campaign ends on Dec. 15. The grand prize is a trip for two to the 2015 Rose Parade and the big football game.

Before this year, not many recognized the name Louis Zamperini, but now that Angelina Jolie has taken his life to the big screen in “Unbroken”, many more are aware of his life and triumphs. A man who truly inspires, Zamperini was not only an Olympian but a prisoner of war during World War II and even though he passed in July 2014, he will still serve as the head of the parade. The parade committee felt it was right to honor his life and story that way by not seeking anyone else as the Grand Marshal for the 2015 festivities. His family will be honored at the parade.

Along with the dedication to Zamperini, 39 floats will compete for prizes. Following the theme “Inspiring Stories”, the floats will do their best to capture that idea. The floats are from a variety of places and organizations. Some of the ones to watch out for are the ones from AIDS Healthcare Foundation, City of Hope, Donate Life, Kiwanis International, Princess Cruises and Trader Joe’s. Those floats will be adorned in flowers flown in from all over the world. Along with these, there will be two that represent the football teams playing in the 101st Rose Bowl Game.

Judging the whole thing are three individuals who know their way around flowers. Els Hazenberg in an internationally known freelance floral designer who has worked on events for the Dutch Royal Family and played a part in decorating the Amsterdam church when Queen Beatrix was inaugurated in 1980. She had also decorated cars in the Parade for three decades with her late husband George. By her side will be Steven Wood Schmader the President and CEO of the International Festivals & Events Association. Rounding out the panel is Eddie Zaratsian who is the creative director for tic-tok Couture Florals and Eddie Zaratsian Custom Florals and Lifestyle who has had work displayed on Oprah’s OWN network and The Emmy Awards Governor’s Ball.

While they judge the flowers and floats, Madison Elaine Triplett will be serving as the 96th Rose Queen. The 17-year-old Altadena student spends her daytime at Marshall Fundamental High School, but has had to endure over 100 public appearances since being crowned queen.

The 126th Annual Rose Parade will take place in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.