Help South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Finish its 2024 Float, ‘Boogie Fever’

The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses (SPTOR) needs more funds and volunteers to finish its 2024 float for the upcoming Rose Parade. 

Ed Donnelly, President of SPTOR, said each year South Pasadena’s entry is constructed solely by volunteers, who also raise donations to cover all expenses.

“South Pasadena is proud of its small-town, family-oriented community and its iconic float tradition,” said Donnelly. “Supporters want to show what a small town can achieve by working together.”

This year, SPTOR, famous for meticulously adorning their floats with natural materials like flowers, leaves, seeds, and bark, will have had a float in the parade as a city for 113 years.

SPTOR’s first entry for the 1911 Rose Parade was a gigantic floral-covered magnet which symbolized South Pasadena’s “drawing power as a thriving community.”

Before it is finished, the 2024 float was expected to cost $150,000.

SPTOR’s float design this year is “Boogie Fever,” the title of a number one ’70’s hit song by the Sylvers, a Los Angeles-based group. 

The song reflects the post-disco musical genre of that time and our featured float animals will be jamming along with the recorded song which will no doubt inspire revelers to dance along.

The artist’s rendering depicts five joyful animals holding musical instruments. A smiling giraffe grasps a tambourine in its mouth. An elephant’s trunk has been transformed into a horn instrument. A happy orangutan plays bongo drums while a playful toucan shakes a pair of maracas. A snake is poised to start spinning a record on an old-fashioned player with more vinyl records on deck. They are all on a lush bed of colorful tropical flowers and plants.

“Our float reflects the enthusiasm and pride we have for our city and fellow residents,” said Donnelly. “The animal characters on the float are an explosion of joy and positivity.” 

Donnelly said SPTOR is working to ensure there will be a large team of volunteers who will help create the float so they can produce the best float possible.

Construction of the float has already begun under a massive tent in the parking lot of the War Memorial Building at 435 Fair Oaks Avenue, South Pasadena. 

Those wanting to decorate the float can sign up for four-hour shifts.  

“From here on out, we will be at the float site at least three evenings during the week and every Saturday and Sunday until the moment we roll out for the parade,” said Donnelly.

To inquire about volunteering on the construction crew, email construction@sptor.org

To view SPTOR’s current fundraiser and direct contribution opportunities, visit:https://www.sptor.org/support-us.html