Watching the Rose Parade is a yearly tradition for many folks. The marching bands, celebrities and of course the amazingly decorated floral floats kick off every January 1st in Pasadena, California.
Our family at Dole Family Day.
Up until two years ago, the parade was something that I watched on TV. Two yeas ago my daughter and I visited the Rose Bowl floats up close to view these truly works of art. This year, my family was invited to attend the Dole Family Day for fun activities as well as to help decorate their float.
Dole’s float has won the highest honor in the sweepstakes award for the past three years. This year’s float, “Sunrise At The Oasis” will titulate your tropical dreams. Designer Paul Rodriguez envisions the float design and Fiesta Parade Floats build it.
A sneak peek at the float.
Here are a few facts about the Dole “Sunrise At The Oasis” float:
FUN FLOAT FACTOIDS
- The DOLE Rose Parade Float, “Sunrise at the Oasis,” brings together a dazzling floral display of live and animated entertainment as three waterfalls cascade into an abundant oasis filled with palm trees, tropical flowers and animals that command attention, such as the white peacocks and camels adorned with elaborate tapestries and jewels. As the sun rises, the whimsical oasis awakens from its majestic dreams, bidding its traveler adieu
- “Sunrise at the Oasis” celebrates Dole’s environmental commitment with vibrant optimism. Dole’s environmental practices and respect for natural resources are embedded in our culture and the way we operate in the United States and around the world.
- Nested in the lush backdrop of tropical flowers a procession of life-like camels, bedecked in floral jewels, carry elaborately decorated Howdahs laden with treasures of gold, precious gems, tapestries of woven silk and rich fragrant spices. White peacocks, whimsical monkeys, elephants and majestic tigers demand attention as they awaken to the morning in the mist-draped gardens.
- The camels are neatly groomed layers of sun-bleached sheet moss then shaded with cinnamon spice.
- The playful monkeys have fur fashioned in dried cranberry foliage with highlights of pampas and pharmitas grass.
- Three waterfalls, featuring over 1,000 gallons of cascading recycled water, and high pressure misting nozzles, used to create a gentle fog, add to the tropical mood.
- Featured throughout this floral masterpiece are fresh and healthy fruits, include bananas, pineapples, mangoes, papayas, peaches, strawberries and blueberries that are grown and provided by Dole for use on their float
- The float is 55 feet long, 18 feet wide and stands over 26 feet tall.
- The float weighs more than 22 tons, or the weight of 10 elephants.
My daughter got to try her hand at covering elements of the float in plant-matter like the pros do.
Thanks to Dole for letting us be a part of their family! This year we will be watching the 125th Rose Parade from home. One of these days I will see the parade in person!
Where do you watch the Rose Parade? Happy 2014!
* Dole invited us to their family event.
