South Pasadena Hosts Virtual Cruz’n for Roses Hot Rod and Classic Car Show to Help Pay for Rose Parade Float

Canceled due to COVID-19, a popular South Pasadena car show aimed at raising funds for a city Rose Parade float will continue for the 16th consecutive year by going virtual from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 20.

When the announcement came earlier this year that the 2021 Rose Parade had been canceled, members of South Pasadena’s Tournament of Roses Committee began looking ahead to the next Rose Parade and new fundraising efforts to pay for the city float.

No live event? No problem, they said, coming up with the creative idea of hosting the car show, usually held along the business district on Mission Street, virtually, with this year’s event showcasing classic vehicles with photos live-streamed on Facebook.

Taking part is easy. Simply take a picture of your car, describe it in 250 words or less, and submit it with a $25 donation to the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee to SPTOR.org. The deadline to submit the registration is Sept. 15.

All entries receive a commemorative T-shirt. Additional T-shirts are available for $18 a piece, or two for $30.

“As a result of limitations of large gatherings and the economic hardships of our sponsors, we are unable to have the actual car show along Mission Street, but we’re excited to bring the Cruz’n for Roses Car Show to everyone virtually,” explained event Chairperson Janet Benjamin, who puts countless hours into the success of the annual show with a team of dedicated volunteers.

“While we’re not able to hold our usual car show that has attracted thousands to the city over the years, we’re excited for the opportunity to continue the event in a virtual fashion,” said SPTOR Committee President Brant Dunlap. “We’re reaching out to those with classic vehicles who want to showcase them virtually and donate as we look forward to putting our float in front of millions of television viewers and thousands more along the parade route in the next Tournament of Roses Parade on New Year’s Day 2022.”

Like in the past, the opening ceremonies for the car show will begin at 10 a.m., while the closing ceremony will take place at 2 p.m.

During the closing ceremonies, trophies will be awarded in six categories: “Most Creative Photo,” “Best of Show,” “Greatest Story,” “Make My Heart Race,” “Takes my Breath Away,” and “Cruz’n For Roses.”

To come up with the $80,000 to $100,000 it takes to house and construct South Pasadena’s entry in the worldwide spectacle in Pasadena, members of the SPTOR committee hold a series of fundraising events throughout the year. They include: a golf tournament; a raffle for Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game tickets; and a yearend Crunch Time Party, featuring dinner, silent and live auctions, and the car show, which traditionally attracts some 300 vehicles of all makes and models lined up along Mission Street. Due to the coronavirus, all fundraisers have been placed on hold, except for the car show.

“There’s a tremendous amount of civic pride for all South Pasadena residents when they watch the float that represents their city roll down Colorado Boulevard every New Year’s Day,” said Dunlap, “More than ever, we need the support from the community to back our parade entry. I encourage everyone to donate to our city float either through a contribution—small or large—and by entering a car in our virtual car show.”

For an entry form for the 2020 Virtual South Pasadena Hot Rod and Classic Car Show, or to make a donation to the city float, go to www.SPTOR.org.

For assistance and additional information about the Cruz’n for Roses, call Benjamin at (626) 799-7813 or email her at Janet@smmainsurance.com