The 2024 Rose Parade, held on January 1st, was a sight to behold. With its theme of “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language,” the parade showcased a variety of floats and performances that paid tribute to the power of music in bringing people together.
One of the highlights of the parade was the Louisiana float, which featured a larger-than-life Mardi Gras jester, fleurs de lis, and second-line inspired umbrellas. Louisiana's rich music and Mardi Gras traditions were on full display, with the float capturing the vibrant spirit of the state. The float won the Rose Parade's Showmanship Award, recognizing its outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment.[0]
Louisiana's participation in the Rose Parade is not a new phenomenon. This was the third consecutive year that the state was represented in the parade, and each year has brought something unique and exciting. Louisiana's float in 2023 also won the Showmanship award, showcasing the state's dedication to creating memorable and captivating displays.[1]
The Rose Parade, which attracts a live audience of approximately 700,000 people, is one of the most-watched events on New Year's Day.[2] This year, the parade was televised on the ABC network and was also live-streamed on platforms such as Fubo TV, Christmas Plus, Pluto TV, and LocalNow.[3] The parade's broadcast reached millions of viewers across the country, allowing them to experience the beauty and grandeur of the event.
Leading the parade as the grand marshal was the renowned performing arts star Audra McDonald.[4] McDonald, a six-time Tony Award winner, is known for her incredible talent and contributions to the world of theater, music, and television. Her selection as the grand marshal was a fitting choice, as she embodies the parade's theme of celebrating the universal language of music.
The Rose Parade's grand marshal is always carefully chosen, and the process can take years. McDonald's selection was a testament to her remarkable career and her ability to connect with audiences through her performances. Her presence added an extra layer of excitement and anticipation to the parade.
In addition to the floats and performances, the Rose Parade also brought some logistical challenges. Security along the parade route was tight, with measures in place to ensure the safety of spectators.[5] Any suspicious activity was to be reported, and emergency services were readily available in case of an emergency.
Traffic and parking were also factors to consider for parade-goers. Colorado Boulevard, the parade route, closed to traffic the night before the parade and remained closed until the afternoon of the following day. Limited parking in the area meant that taking public transportation, such as the Metro, was encouraged.
Camping overnight along the parade route was permitted, but there were specific rules and guidelines to follow.[5] Campers were allowed to claim spaces on the sidewalk starting at noon the day before the parade, but all people and property had to remain on the curb until 11 p.m.[6] After 11 p.m., spectators could move out onto the street.
The Rose Parade is not just a one-day event. Float preparation and decorating take place in the days leading up to the parade, with volunteers coming together to create stunning displays of floral brilliance. This year, Phoenix Decorating in Irwindale was the site where floats were decorated, with many floats being prepared for decorating in the days prior to the parade.[7]
Overall, the 2024 Rose Parade was a picture postcard show, capturing the beauty, artistry, and joy of the event. From the stunning floats to the performances and the grand marshal herself, the parade was a celebration of music and the universal language it speaks. As the tradition continues to evolve and grow, the Rose Parade remains a beloved and cherished event that brings people from all walks of life together to start the new year on a high note.
0. “Louisiana float in 2024 Rose Bowl parade” WDSU New Orleans, 1 Jan. 2024, https://www.wdsu.com/article/louisiana-float-rose-bowl-2024/46260377
1. “Louisiana float wins award, musicians perform in Rose Parade” Unfiltered with Kiran, 1 Jan. 2024, https://unfilteredwithkiran.com/louisiana-float-wins-award-musicians-perform-in-rose-parade/
2. “Louisiana’s 2024 Rose Parade float is a giant Mardi Gras jester” NOLA.com, 27 Dec. 2023, https://www.nola.com/entertainment_life/mardi_gras/louisianas-rose-parade-float-is-a-giant-mardi-gras-jester/article_7c89044a-a0d4-11ee-8763-3b024aecb39c.html
3. “Cross-Departmental ESPN Effort Brings Football, Floats and Flowers to Life in 2024 Rose Parade” ESPN Press Room, 26 Dec. 2023, https://espnpressroom.com/us/press-releases/2023/12/cross-departmental-espn-effort-brings-football-floats-and-flowers-to-life-in-2024-rose-parade/
4. “Rose Parade-goers awaken to cold, but rain-free, morning along Pasadena’s fabled route” The Pasadena Star-News, 1 Jan. 2024, https://www.pasadenastarnews.com/2024/01/01/rose-parade-goers-awaken-to-cold-but-rain-free-morning-along-pasadenas-fabled-route/
5. “2024 Rose Parade: Here's all you need to know about the New Year's celebration” NBC San Diego, 27 Dec. 2023, https://www.nbcsandiego.com/news/national-international/2024-rose-parade-route-how-to-watch-getting-there/3389622/
6. “Decorators placing finishing touches on floats less than 24 hours ahead of Rose Parade” CBS News, 31 Dec. 2023, https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/float-decorators-placing-finishing-touches-less-than-24-hours-ahead-of-rose-parade/
7. “Rose Parade 2024: How will the longest float in parade history navigate a 90-degree turn?” San Bernardino County Sun, 30 Dec. 2023, https://www.sbsun.com/2023/12/29/rose-parade-2024-how-will-the-longest-float-in-parade-history-navigate-a-90-degree-turn
