‘The Bloom is Back’: What to Expect in the Upcoming Rose Parade

80% of Tournament of Roses volunteers and 100% of the Tournament of Roses staff are fully vaccinated, according to Tournament of Rose Executive Director David Eads.

Eads gave an update on the parade during Wednesday’s Public Safety Committee meeting.

The parade, increasingly billed by Tournament leadership with the catchphrase “The Bloom is Back on New Year’s Day,” is two years in the making, Eads said, after he pointed out that the 2021 event was canceled last year due to the pandemic.

That cancellation marked the first time since World War II. The parade was not held in 1942 after the attack on Pearl Harbor in December 1941 plunged the nation into the war. The parade was also canceled in 1943 and 1945.

More than 500,000 people view the parade live every year on Colorado Boulevard, and thousands of people party on Colorado Boulevard the night before the event.

Although the Omicron and Delta COVID-19 variants are currently leading to more transmissions, the event is scheduled for a monumental comeback.

The Tournament teamed up with the city to promote the Vaccinate Pasadena initiative.

Unlike previous years, no international bands will participate for the 2022 parade because of travel restrictions caused by the pandemic.

Among the new participants is “The Masked Singer.” Legendary singer Dionne Warwick, who was part of the show, will perform on the float, said Eads

According to Eads, a total 43 floats will participate in the 2022 parade, with 11 being new participants.

Longtime local company Wetzel’s Pretzels will launch its first-ever Rose Parade float.

Also joining the parade with floats for the first time are ABC’s “The Bachelor,” AMC Theatres, California Physical Therapy Association, Lundquist Institute, Medically Home, Reese’s, and the San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance.

Michael D. Sewell Memorial Foundation is also a new float participant.

Eads described the foundation’s float, which seeks to honor all band directors across the country as a “special entry” because the float will be combined with a band unit composed of over 250 band directors.

Another new float participant is Louisiana Travel. Its float will celebrate Louisiana’s culture including Mardi Gras. According to Eads, American Idol Season 17 winner Laine Hardy will perform on the float.

Eads said a total of 20 marching bands including the United State Air Force band, university bands and highschool bands will participate in the parade.

Aside from the participating floats and bands, Eads said 18 equestrian units will join the annual festival. Part of the line up are the 1st Cavalry Division, U.S. Army, Arabian Horse Association, Blue Shadow Mounted Drill Team, Budweiser Clydesdales and Buffalo Soldiers, among others.

Also a highlight of the Rose Parade is the carrying of a 38’ by 20’ Garrison flag by the United States Marine Corps to honor frontliners who serve the public amid the pandemic.

“This will honor the perseverance of all Americans during the pandemic. It will also recognize our first responders and frontline workers that made such a difference in all of our lives throughout the pandemic,” Eads said.

The 133rd Rose Parade will kick off with a special performance by Grammy Award-winning singer LeAnn Rimes. Other notable personalities who will be seen at the opening is Jessica Long, America’s second-most decorated paralympian of all-time.

For the grand finale, a surprise guest will arrive for the celebrity football toss, said Eads.

Eads said three years ago, the late basketball superstar Kobe Bryant was the recipient of the Rose Bowl game ball. Two years ago, it was the U.S. women’s soccer team that caught the ball and wished America a Happy New Year.

Multi-platinum country singer Jimmie Allen and Timothy Fletcher, a multi-talented drummer and Tik-Tok superstar from Maryland, will also be performing for the grand finale, according to Eads.