The Rotary International float in the annual Tournament of Roses Parade is undoubtedly the largest public relations project of the Rotary clubs of the United States and Canada. Since 1924 a Rotary float has been entered ovber 30 times including every year since 1981. The famous Pasadena, California, parade is seen by an estimated 300 million people via worldwide television.

A multi-district Rotary committee in Southern California coordinates planning of the Rotary float and provides hundreds of volunteer hours of service. The Rotary float must portray the annual parade theme, usually depicting one of the worldwide service programs of Rotary International.

The Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee’s 31st consecutive entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade truly celebrates the work of Rotarians worldwide. The theme of the 2010 parade is “A Cut Above the Rest” and the theme of our float is “Service Above the Rest”.

The float is not a project of Rotary International, and no Rotary International funds are used. Our ability to enter a float is dependent solely on the generosity of Rotarians. The cost of designing, constructing and flower covering a Rose Parade float begins at about $100,000. Our clum members have donated $5 each through their District dues.

Traditionally the Rotary International President will attend the New Years Day festivities and this year we are honored to have President John Kenny join us as we celebrate “Service Above the Rest”.

Leading up to January 1st, as in past years, we will have hundreds of volunteers, who will donate thousands of hours in preparing the decorations and applying them to the float. Many Rotarians work on the float, but Rotaract and Interact members do most of the work. They enjoy the challenge and pride of ownership in the working on the float. The entire float must be covered with natural materials: flowers, seeds, husks, etc.

The Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee appreciates continued support from across the United States and Canada, and we look forward to this year’s participation in the annual Tournament of Roses. What better way to promote Rotary than by a beautiful float in the 121st Tournament of Roses Parade seen worldwide by about 300 million people from over 200 countries on New Years Day. By the way, John Fee, Steve Garrett, Ernie Jensen and Ray Bushnell are all past chairs of the Rotary Rose Float Committee.

Each New Year’s Day, Rotarians take pride in seeing their attractive float and realize they have shared in its construction by contributing a dollar or two to this beautiful public relations project.