Tournament of Roses Parade - See the Floats Up Close

The annual Tournament of Roses parade occurs every year on New Year's Day in Pasadena, Calif. and we've been to see the floats the day after the parade to see just how the details are done. Here is the schedule online so you can go too: Post Parade Showcase of Floats

We went to the parade one year - got tickets for the grandstands right at the start of the parade on Orange Avenue. It was a chilly morning, but we had fun see the floats and the bands up close.

These are some photos we took after the 2009 parade. If you live in the Los Angeles area, you can volunteer to decorate the floats. Check out his website with more info on how to volunteer to decorate Rose Parade floats next year. If you just want to watch the parade and don't live in the area, it will be the major networks tomorrow morning - including the Hallmark channel. If you want to attend the parade next year, I recommend that you get tickets far in advance, otherwise, you'll have to start lining up with your sleeping bag on New Year's Eve day to claim a spot on Colorado Boulevard.  Happy New Year! May your 2010 be full of flowers!