Take almost one-and-a-quarter centuries of tradition. Mix in large amounts of flowers, seeds and leaves to taste, and add a dash of dissent. Combine with an 80-degree January day and serve to a full house. That’s the recipe for today’s near-flawless Tournament of Roses Parade.
During the 123rd Tournament of Roses Parade, 21 marching bands, 43 floats and 26 equestrian units marched along Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena today.
The extra-warm weather offered unusual comfort to the tens of thousands of spectators who lined up five and six deep along the 5 1/2 mile course. Many of them had spent the night to secure prime spectator sidewalk space.
21-year-old Mackenzie Fochs, a University of Wisconsin senior, flew out with three friends to see her Badgers square off in the Rose Bowl against the University of Oregon Ducks.
“I’m here to see the Badgers win hopefully against Oregon. I’m anticipating a very interesting game. And I’m also here to see the Rose Parade," she said.
Fochs added that she is currently a Horticulture major, "so it kind of relates to my major. It’s a good reason for coming here."
Only a couple of parade floats needed towing this year.
Afterward the official event, approximately 4,000 Occupy activists marched along the route without incident.