Rain-Soaked Rose Parade Draws Tens of Thousands to Colorado Boulevard

A driving New Year’s Day rainstorm thinned crowds along Colorado Boulevard, where thousands of spectators braved drenched grandstands and ankle-deep curbside puddles to watch the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade wind through Pasadena.

Despite steady rain that lasted through most of the procession as it passed ‘TV Corner’ at Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevards, fans remained in place as dozens of fully animated floats, marching bands, equestrian units and drill teams made their way down the parade route.

Sawdust beneath media scaffolding quickly turned to mud, and sheets of rain stopped the B-2 Spirit bomber flyover, but the weather did not deter parade-goers who cheered throughout the morning.

NBA legend and Grand Marshal Earvin “Magic” Johnson greeted the crowd, drawing enthusiastic applause from spectators who had waited through the storm for the parade’s arrival.

By the time the final units passed, the rain began to ease.

Pasadena Now’s Eddie Rivera reported that many attendees considered the 137th edition among the most spectacular in recent memory, even under challenging conditions, noting as the parade wsrapped that “it looks like the sun’s coming out. It’s got to be a good sign for 2025.”