Floating in to See The Rose Parade’s Aftermath

Above, one of my faves — and definitely a crowd favorite — the State of New Mexico’s float, featuring Wile E. Coyote and the Road Runner on Route 66.

Every year the Tournament of Roses showcases its parade floats at the end of the parade route on Sierra Madre Blvd. Having watched a chunk of the parade with Evan this year, we decided to head over to Pasadena on Saturday (the last day of the showcase) to see the floats up close.

To avoid the traffic and parking woes, we took the Gold Line from South Pasadena to the end of the line, at Sierra Madre Villa station. MTA had shuttle buses waiting there to take transit riders to the float showcase site.

We knew the float viewing was popular, but not this popular. Not even the $7 fee per person prevented thousands from showing up to see the intricately-constructed floats. As you know, the parade requires that the floats be completely covered in flowers and other vegetation — and you can’t fully appreciate it until you see it in person. The Tournament’s “White Suiters” were there to answer questions, and a documentary on the making of a float was shown at the Pasadena High School auditorium.

It’s not something I think we’d do every year — but since I don’t think we’ll ever be interested in spending the night on the street to see the actual parade, it’s the closest we’ll get to seeing the floats in person.

Some highlights:

Honda’s famed Asimo robot

City Hall, via the City of Los Angeles float

Safari-themed float, by Rain Bird Corp.

City of Huntington Beach float

The Wizard of Oz, by Bayer

Oscar the Grouch, part of the float by NAMM (International Music Products Assoc.)

Part of the Trader Joe’s float

After years of cheesy entries, Glendale finally got it right last year, with a float tribute to the old Grand Central airport. This year, Glendale stuck with the historic theme — but with the Alex Theatre.

Most ill-timed float: “Celebrating the Dream of Home Ownership.” Yeah, nothing like being reminded of our nation’s housing woes during the parade!

The Return of Stephanie Edwards: A Tournament of Roses Parade Recap

Yup, she’s back: Longtime TV host Stephanie Edwards, who had handled the Tournament of Roses Parade alongside Bob Eubanks for years, was shoved aside a few years ago in favor of KTLA morning host Michaela Pereira. After two years of viewer complaints, Stephanie was back on the KTLA show beside Bob this year, while Pereira was the one stuck in the stands.

The telecast began with Edwards addressing talk that the two actually hate each other: “People write in all the time and ask if we like each other,” he said. “The answer is no… we love each other!”

Oh, gag. I’m not buyin’ it.

As for the return of Stephanie… well, two years out of the booth, and she was a bit rusty.

Honda’s “Asimo” robot kicked off the show. Sitting in our Glendale HQ, I waited and waited for the fighter jets that normally kick off the parade. I got Evan all excited — in years past, the jets have buzzed right over our home on the way to Pasadena. But this year, nothing. The 4-year-old figured I was full of crap.

This year’s theme: “Hats Off To Entertainment.” There’s something strangely pure and wholesome about the Tournament of Roses Parade; in this cynical age, it’s almost hard to accept its sunny ethos. But what the hell, it’s the start of a new year.

There’s Michaela, who tried to put the best face on her demotion. “I got the best seats in the house,” she kept telling us. Sorry, we didn’t believe Stephanie when she tried to tell viewers the same thing two years ago.

Disney Star Demi Lovato to Headline Hollywood’s Santa Parade and Winterfest

Hollywood’s Santa Parade — last year’s hastily-organized event launched to fill the void when the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce dropped the 75-year-old Hollywood Christmas Parade — is coming back, and will now be a part of a day-long event dubbed “Hollywood Holiday.”

Event — sponsored by Radio Disney — was announced Monday by Los Angeles City Council President Eric Garcetti and Councilmember Tom LaBonge. It’ll take place on Sunday, Nov. 30. From the press release:

The 2008 Hollywood Holiday will include Winterfest, an all-day street festival that will include a free Radio Disney performance by Hollywood Records recording artist and Disney Channel actress Demi Lovato… The festivities will also include a parade featuring marching bands from across the country, equestrian units, floats, and Santa Claus.

“This year’s Hollywood holiday festivities will bring family entertainment to the boulevard in a fresh, exciting format,” said Council President Garcetti.

Winterfest will run from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. and will be located on Hollywood Boulevard at Highland Avenue. The family event will feature games, food, and a stage where event-goers can watch performances by Radio Disney favorites, including Demi Lovato. The City of Los Angeles, Lift Up America, and the Hollywood Youth Foundation are presenting sponsors of Winterfest, which will include a special “VIP” area for more than 1,000 children who participate in Los Angeles-area programs for underprivileged youth.

At 5 p.m., the Hollywood Santa Parade will begin at the corner of Hollywood and Highland. Grandstand seats are available for $35 and discounts are available for groups of 25 or more. The City of Los Angeles has contracted with Hollywood’s Santa Parade LLC to produce this parade.

Garcetti first hinted at the lineup last night via his Facebook status.

Details on the fall and rebirth of the Hollywood parade here.

(Updated throughout.)