Thousands brave rain for Float Fest, glimpse of Rose Parade entries up close ...Middle East

A sea of umbrellas and rain ponchos wove down a winding row of bright colors at Pasadena High School on Friday, Jan. 2, as thousands  enjoyed Float Fest.

Similar to the Rose Parade the day before, which endured rain for the first time in a couple of decades, the showers didn’t deter people from coming in droves. Annually, the Float Fest allows folks a chance to see the Rose Parade floats up close and, if they’re lucky, even talk to the folks who created them.

Vendors, food trucks, scavenger hunts for kids and collectible float cards were just some of the attractions to experience while walking the one-mile route between massive floats.

Many of the floats also had booths giving away free goodies including tote bags, stickers, art from local artists and American flags. Many attendees stopped to take photos and selfies with the floats, while others pointed out what items on the float they helped decorate.

“I always appreciate the hard work that goes into them,” said San Bernardino resident Roberto Renedo has come to Float Fest on-and-off for years.

“Seeing them up close is a very different experience than just seeing them on TV,” he said, 43, standing in front of towering eagles of the America250 float. “It’s not the same,” he added.

Renedo missed Thursday’s Rose Parade — in person and on TV — so felt grateful to be able to see them still. His favorite floats included those animated eagles and the UPS Store float with multiple seahorses.

“The eagles stand out, especially as a symbol of freedom,” he said. “I hope we’re able to treat people more humanely this year, especially those that are being deported.”

Long-time Altadena resident Dawn Smith attended Float Fest with her husband. The two rented a house in the community for nearly a decade before the Eaton fire destroyed their home.

They usually volunteer to decorate the Rotary entry each year, but this year felt it best to dedicate time to “Rising Together,” the entry honoring communities ravaged by the Eaton and Palisades fires.

The float, co-sponsored by the California Community Foundation and the Black Freedom Fund, honored residents who died with striking sunflowers and featured a phoenix spreading its wings to rise from the ashes. Smith excitedly pointed out areas of the float she helped decorate to her friends.

“Being able to meet some of our neighbors and hear what their experiences have been was comforting and sort of cathartic,” Smith said, reflecting on her experience decorating. “To be able to honor the people that passed away, one of which was on the street next to us, was so important.”

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Decorating this year was “more meaningful” amid the wildfire recovery, she said.

Simi Valley resident Linda Ohlrich attended Float Fest with her son, pointing out the orange roses she helped put onto the front of the Cal Poly float.

The Cal Poly Universities float won the Sweepstakes Trophy, marking a first for the group and only the seventh time a self-built float has been honored with the award.

Ohlrich’s nephew, who attends Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, helped design the float along with other students. For Ohlrich, the Rose Parade is a time for family bonding.

“I’ve seen the float from the bare parts to the incredible work of art it is now, so it’s incredible to see the process throughout the year,” Ohlrich said. “Around 10 members of my family members help decorate and this year my son got to help my nephew with soldering and electrical.”

While she said her part in decorating was “small,” it amazes her to see how many people come together to make such beauty every year.

Float Fest continues for one more day on Saturday, Jan. 3. Hours for Float Fest are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., with last entry at 3 p.m. Tickets are $26.50, and free for children five and under. For more information, visit www.visitpasadena.com/events/floatfest.

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