by Dot Cannon
(Courtesy of Pasadena Tournament of Roses®.)
Pasadena’s 137th Tournament of Roses® Parade, barely two weeks ago, glowed through the rain.
But as the glow becomes a memory, it’s already time to move forward!
On Thursday evening, 2027 Pasadena Tournament of Roses® President Terry Madigan made the official announcement of the theme for the 2027 Rose Parade®.
Accompanied by his husband, Kevin Sommerfield, President Madigan emerged from Tournament House for the announcement, which was live streamed on Tournament of Roses’ YouTube channel.
(Photo courtesy of Pasadena Tournament of Roses®.)
“At its surface, this year’s theme is very simple,” President Madigan began.
“In fact, it’s only one word. And yet, that word has deep meaning and significance for me.
“The 2027 theme celebrates the simple joy of belonging. It speaks to finding the people and place that brings you comfort and joy.”
He went on to reference various types of groups that provide that sense of support: home, friends, family and places–physical and psychological–that contribute to a feeling of belonging.
By now, we were guessing at that “one word”.
“Community”, maybe?
We were wrong.
“…I’ve often said that we welcome the world to Pasadena, and welcome Pasadena to the world,” President Madigan continued.
Gesturing towards a black-cloth-covered easel, he concluded, “The theme for the 2027 Tournament of Roses..”
Two White Suiters removed the cloth.
“…is, simply, ‘Welcome’.”
The audience cheered, whooped and applauded as President Madigan stood behind the easel, which now revealed the graphic of the new theme, matte-framed against a blue background.
President Madigan concluded his remarks with a challenge.
“For me, this theme comes with a question and a challenge for each of us,” he said.
“What can we all do, as an organization and as individuals, to foster that sense of family, that sense of belonging, and that sense of celebration in everything we do, this coming year?”
“I challenge you to remember a time when you experienced that sense of belonging…and I urge you to pay that sense forward.
“Thank you all, and may you have the happiest of New Years.”
(Like to know more about decorating floats for Pasadena Tournament of Roses®’ 138th Rose Parade®? It’s early, but here’s the link!
And, here’s where to find information about all the Rose Parade®-related events to which they’d like to welcome you, later this year!)