Downey Struggling to Find Funds For Rose Parade Float

Councilmembers in Downey said the city could be removed from the Rose Parade if it cannot find a way to raise money to produce a float for the coming parade. 

The nonprofit Downey Rose Float Association may seek financial subsidies from Downey taxpayers, according to the Downey Patriot, which attributed a story to comments made at a Downey City Council meeting.

The nonprofit raises tens of thousands of dollars to build a float for the parade. 

“I do appreciate the fact that Downey is one of I believe six cities that has a self-done Rose Float and they don’t take those in anymore,” said Councilmember Donald La Plante said. “We’re grandfathered in. We get to stay as long as we have a float. We stop having a float, we’re never getting back. So I think that’s an important thing we need to realize.”

According to the story, the float association has struggled to raise funds since the pandemic began.

The self-funded float costs between $60,000 to $85,000 according to one councilmember. 

Downey is the 10th largest city in LA County.

“It really is time for us to reconsider looking at where we are with the support for this organization, said Downey Councilmember Claudia Frometa. 

According to Frometa, the lack of public gatherings has been “detrimental fundraising efforts.”

It’s unclear if the Downey Rose Float Association requested financial assistance from the city or if councilmembers initiated the idea on their own.

A motion to provide financial help will be discussed at an upcoming Downey City Council meeting.