Traditionally, the annual parade takes place on New Year’s Day. But as the holiday fell on a Sunday this time around, both the parade and the bowl game itself were pushed to Monday, the second day of the year, according to the so-called “Never On Sunday” policy. No matter, the Tournament Of Roses Parade will be as festive as ever.

Now in its 128th year, the theme of the 2017 parade is “Echoes Of Success.” There will be more than 40 floats from a variety of organizations, ranging from the AIDS Healthcare Foundation to China Airlines to one even inspired by “The Bachelor.” And since the floats are typically adorned with flowers, the ABC show fits right in given the role roses play in the reality competition.

The festivities, nicknamed “America’s New Year Celebration,” are slated to be broadcast on ABC beginning at 11 a.m. Eastern time. Later, after two-hour parade, the Penn State Nittany Lions and USC Trojans will compete in the highly-anticipated football game.

Rotary International has participated for 39 years in the Rose Bowl Parade.  Paul Harris, Founder Father  of Rotary, said, "In the promotion of ROTARY, it is important to reach large numbers and you cannot reach them privately."

Our annual participation in the Rose Parade is unquestionably the highest visibility Rotary promotion in the world.

According to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses 2016 statistics, 70 million US and international households viewed the parade on television; and over 700,000 attended the 2016 Rose Parade. 

People in 243 countries and territories viewed the parade.  It is nearly impossible to estimate how many people saw and heard something about Rotary. What an outstanding opportunity to promote Rotary to the world!

John Germ, Rotary International President said "Today, our work on Rotary's public image is more important than ever.  The work of Rotarians on the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee is a good example of Rotary creativity and resourcefulness."

Did you see the Committee's ad in the December, 2016, Rotarian Magazine?

Rotary Clubs and Districts in North America provide all of the funds to build the float.  No funds are received from Rotary International.

Your help is needed to pay for the 2017 Float!  You may donate online at http://rotaryfloat.org/.

The 2017 Float promotes and celebrates the 100 years of The Rotary Foundation. The Foundation empowers Rotarians to travel throughout the world and create and complete projects which serve people in need in six areas of focus which are: promoting peace, fighting disease, providing clean water, saving mothers and children, supporting education, and growing local economies.  The spectacular and colorful dragon is clearly a world traveler carrying luggage decorated with the six symbols of the areas of focus.  The Dragon also is proudly wearing a necklace with a medallion marked 100 for the 100 years of service.