December 30, 2019 – Pasadena

December 30, 2019 – Pasadena, CA
After breakfast we headed out at 8:15am for the Ambassador Auditorium in Pasadena. This was the first time all 500 of us were in one place.
We had a presentation about the Rose Parade and it’s history from 5 of the white-suiters. There are 900+ official volunteers who wear white suits and help with the parade. We learned many interesting things. The Association President picks the theme and the Grand Marshall. Any float with a part higher than 18 ft has to be able to lower it to get under utility lines. Every side street has a tow truck ready in case a float breaks down.
Next we heard from a former Rose Parade Queen. She talked about the selection process and the duties once you are chosen. Julie King was the queen in 1988 when Gregory Peck was the Grand Marshall.
We got bussed to Pasadena City College where we ate our box lunches while waiting for the gate to open for Bandfest. This is where the bands get to practice and show off. We saw six different bands play and do formations. They were all really good. My favorites were the Green Band from Japan and the LAUSD All district band. When the Green Band played Thriller, one of the tuba players came out in a Hulk suit and danced. Hysterical.
Back at the hotel we had dinner followed by an equestrian show by the Spirit of the West Riders. They couldn’t bring their horses. I skipped the show.