We went to see the Rose Parade today...

[lap3]

...and it rained like crazy!

My DW and I had talked about bringing the kids to go see the parade this year. So, we took the plunge(literally!) and go see it. We got there right around midnight so while the family slept in the van, I braved the storm and staked our spot. Man, I got so soaked but it was fun. Anyways, here are some pics from today. Enjoy!

Unfortunately, the photos from the Disney float didn't turn out that well and we were so bummed about it.

Let me know if you may have any questions!

 

[crazee4mickey]

Saw parts of it on TV, very beautiful but it did look extremely wet

 

[lap3]

Yeah, it pretty much rained non-stop but it didn't put a damper on everyone's spirits! All of the people around me had such a great time!

One thing I couldn't understand is that all of the spectators knew it was going to rain that day. So, why wouldn't you come better prepared? I mean, I wouldn't even consider wearing anything denim in the rain but here they are wearing jean jackets & pants and they were soaked! We came out decked in our rain gear and the only thing that got wet were our socks and shoes. Go figure! Anyways, we'll be back next year!

 

[NMAmy]

My mom is staying with my sister in Pasadena and she was so excited about being able to see the parade from the balcony. Bless her heart, I got an email from her today and she told me the weather was so nasty that she ended up watching it on tv!

 

[OhMari]

Thanks for the photo's. Do you have to pay for any spots on the parade route?

I like seeing the apartments behind the floats, but there is no one out there watching.

 

[diznygirl]

We are thinking about going next year - we should have good weather since it only rains on the parade every 51 years!!!

It looked miserable out there - but it's true, everyone was smiling - and the TV hosts kept commenting about how good everyone's spirits were. I know the only other times I saw the parade I was feezing, but also very happy to be there.

 

[lap3]

OhMari, f you wanted to sit in the bleachers, you did need to reserve and pay in advance. However, almost everyone else camped out the night before and staked out there spot. Up and down Colorado Blvd, you can see many people with propane heaters, tents, tarps, and sleeping bags. As it gets closer to the start of the parade, they pack these up and put them back in their vehicle so others can view the parade from behind them. Let me tell you...that heater was just what I needed! It's one thing to be wet from the rain. Mix in the cold weather and it can be miserable!

The apartment buildings in the background do have people viewing from their balconys. Not many but there are some out there.

Even with all of the rain, you can still smell the floral fragrance. If any of you are out here for New Years, this is one event I suggest you come out for. It's totally worth it!

Here's a few more pics for you. Enjoy!

The only Disney pic that came out decent...

 

[missypie]

It looked SO miserable on TV. I really admired all those band kids who had worked so hard to get there, then had to march 5 1/2 miles in the pouring rain. I kept wondering what all their chaperones were going to tell them to do with their sopping wet uniforms, to prevent the uniforms from mildewing before they get home!

 

[OhMari]

Thanks for the extra pictures. Now I see people up in the balconies.

Someone asked about the band members in their uniforms. Our kids were suppose to march in a winter parade this past December. It was snowing so hard, that they didn't go, because the cost of drycleaning the band uniforms would cost more, than what they earned for marching.

But if the uniforms were wool, wouldn't they be ruined otherwise?

 

[missypie]

Thanks for the extra pictures. Now I see people up in the balconies.

Someone asked about the band members in their uniforms. Our kids were suppose to march in a winter parade this past December. It was snowing so hard, that they didn't go, because the cost of drycleaning the band uniforms would cost more, than what they earned for marching.

But if the uniforms were wool, wouldn't they be ruined otherwise?

I really think that some of those schools will go home and have to replace their uniforms, esp. if the kids just threw them wet into a garment bag!

 

[diznygirl]

I was wondering about the instruments - I saw clarinets being played while covered with a rain poncho, but the horns were out there - also wondered if the tubas were filling with water! Noticed that USC's marching band was wearing baseball caps instead of the feathered hats - good idea! (The sunglasses were also a nice touch!)

I really admire everyone who was out in the parade in that weather.

 

[Olaf]

I've always wanted to see that parade in person. Although, I don't think I would have braved the rain this year.

Does anyone know if there's a website where we could go and see pictures of the floats?

 

[Meezers]

Since you are the first person I have ever had any type of contact with who has actually been there...

Do the floats smell like flowers? Don't know if you can answer this cause of the rain...but it is something I have always wondered about!

Thanks!

 

[WDWLVR]

I've always wanted to see it in person too. I felt really bad for everyone involved with it. It is usually so beautiful and such a sunny day. Sad to see the running colors on some of the floats and those who marched and road were drenched. As those who were watching!

 

[lap3]

Does anyone know if there's a website where we could go and see pictures of the floats?

Check the Tournament Of Roses website from time to time. They should have the site updated with the photos from this parade soon.

 

[lap3]

Do the floats smell like flowers? Don't know if you can answer this cause of the rain...but it is something I have always wondered about!

Thanks!

Even though it did rain very heavily, you can smell the flowers. It's not as strong as if it weren't raining but you can smell them.