Would you like to help an incredible community uphold a tradition of more than a century?
And in the process, have a lot of fun, and help to create a work of art?
If you’re in the Southern California area, that’s the invitation which South Pasadena Tournament of Roses would like to extend to you.
South Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Ed Donnelly and his team are building their 2026 float, “The Great Picnic Heist”, for Pasadena’s 137th Rose Parade® on New Year’s Day–and they need volunteers from now through December.
“There’s plenty to do, for any skill set,” Ed says.
1893 history, 2026 creativity
South Pasadena Tournament of Roses’ “The Great Picnic Heist”, a whimsical depiction of a snoozing bear whose picnic has “grown legs”, is likely to evoke smiles, laughter–and a considerable sense of pride in their legacy.
That’s because South Pasadena Tournament of Roses is the oldest “self-built”, or noncommercial independent float builder, in the parade. They’ve been participating in the Rose Parade since 1893–and Ed says they’ve had a float in the parade, continuously, since 1911!
Ed, who is a professional musician and audio engineer, sees considerable creative parallels between performing live music, and building award-winning Rose Parade floats.
“We’re creating art,” he explains, of both experiences.
“If you look at the Rose Parade floats, they’re works of art.
“…How are we connecting with people? What does this say? What will they think when they see this?
“…It’s very much the same sort of approach and philosophy.” (Check out Ed’s website for his recording studio, Barber’s Basement, to hear a demo of some great Americana, country and folk music!)
Additional opportunities
In addition to the volunteer opportunities, South Pasadena Tournament of Roses invites you to their “Crunch Time Party and Auction“, happening December 29th.
And if you don’t happen to be in the Southern California area, but would like to support them, there are several ways.
You can donate directly on their website, purchase a raffle ticket or souvenir merchandise or check out their Amazon wish list, for “The Great Picnic Heist”!
Ed talked about his background, offered a closer look at “The Great Picnic Heist”, and shared some of his favorite stories of working with South Pasadena Tournament of Roses.
On this edition of Over Coffee® we cover:
- One of Ed’s favorite memories of the Rose Parade®, from his growing-up years;
- How he first became involved in building floats with South Pasadena Tournament of Roses;
- How Ed’s experience and perspective, as a musician, have stood him in good stead for building Rose Parade floats;
- A closer look at “The Great Picnic Heist”, and the creative process behind it;
- What to look for on the float on New Year’s Day, and the technology involved;
- What’s involved, in getting the float safely down the parade route;
- Ed’s favorite aspect of his work with South Pasadena Tournament of Roses;
- Where they are, currently, with their build, and their next construction goals;
- Their volunteer needs;
- A look at the history of South Pasadena Tournament of Roses in the parade;
- How to submit a design for consideration for their 2027 Rose Parade® entry!
- What viewers will hear, as the float turns the corner of Colorado and Orange Grove on New Year’s Day;
- The upcoming float inspections, to check for safety or mechanical issues;
- Safety procedures, in the event of an emergency;
- A definition of the term “self-built float”;
- Ways to donate to SPTOR, including their Amazon wish list;
- A preview of December 29th and 30th, at South Pasadena Tournament of Roses;
- How the team will spend December 31st;
- Ed’s recollection of the previous award-winning float, “Seas the Day”;
- Troubleshooting procedures, if something goes wrong after the float arrives for the parade lineup;
- What Ed has learned from live music, that is also true of float building;
- A quick look at his work with the Barber’s Basement;
- One of his fun “something went wrong” stories, from working with a past float.