Tournament of Roses Cancels Indoor Public ‘Ancillary Events,’ Confirms Parade and Game Will Proceed

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association announced Monday it has decided to cancel small indoor public events traditionally held in the days before the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl out of concern for rising recent COVID-19 infection counts.

“Out of an abundance of caution, and in an effort to focus on the events essential to hosting the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game, we have canceled all indoor public ancillary events,” the Tournament said in a statement.

“The health and well-being of our parade participants and guests, as well as that of our volunteer members, professional staff and partners, remains our number one priority, and as we closely monitor the situation surrounding the Omicron variant, we believe this is the safest course of action.”

The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced it had postponed until Spring its traditional “Crunch Party,” which is a major fundraiser that helps pay for materials used to build the city’s Rose Parade float.

Lawry’s Beef Bowl, where the Rose Bowl teams dine at the Beverly Hills prime rib restaurant, was also canceled Monday “given the growing concerns around COVID-19 and the Omicron variant,” the restaurant announced. Lawry’s will be packaging and delivering takeout meals for the players instead.

Some cherished outdoor events — such as Bandfest, which showcases marching bands set to appear in the Rose Parade and Equesfest, which allows the public to meet Parade’s horses and riders before New Year’s Day — will proceed as planned this week.

“Bandfest and Equestfest are not mega events and do not require proof of vaccination or negative test results. It is highly recommended that patrons wear masks during these outdoor events. These events will be held rain or shine,” said Tournament Communications Director Candy Carlson.

Plans for the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game remain on track, according to the statement.

“We remain confident in our ability to host the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game in a responsible manner that allows our guests to safely celebrate the New Year.”