Rose Queen and Royal Court Join Mayor Gordo On Holiday Bus Tour of Schools and Children’s Groups

Mayor Victor Gordo, joined by a trio of carolers and the 2022 Tournament of Roses Royal Court, boarded a bus Thursday afternoon and visited schoolchildren across a swath of Pasadena, delivering gifts and holiday spirit.

The Starlines Tour bus, provided by donations from Firefighters Union Local 809, was packed with costumed elves and overstuffed bags full of Christmas gifts.

It was the mayor’s second local bus tour this year, after he boarded a similar bus in October for a Halloween tour through Pasadena neighborhoods, where he and local residents tossed candy to passersby and residents throughout the city.

Thursday’s tour included stops at the mayor’s own alma mater, Madison Elementary, as well as Longfellow Elementary, Sycamores, the Pasadena Boys and Girls Club, and included a cruise through Old Pasadena.

Rose Queen Nadia Chung and members of her royal court met with children at each stop and helped distribute age-appropriate gifts and gift cards. The carolers atop the bus added to the holiday vibe, singing a variety of Christmas tunes.

Madison Elementary School Principal Noemi Orduña said she was thrilled by the visit, saying that her students had been eagerly awaiting the arrival of the mayor and the Royal Court.

“Having the Mayor and the Royal Court here is such a memorable experience for our little ones,” said Orduna, “particularly because, for some of them, they been waiting for a very long time for some gifts, which is great, but it’s such an honor to meet these wonderful young ladies who represent our city and who show just what leadership means to our little ones.”