Cal Poly’s Nessie Makes Waves With New Float Technology At 2025 Rose Parade

Cal Poly Universities will debut an ambitious technological upgrade to their Rose Parade float on New Year’s Day, featuring a 21-foot-tall Loch Ness Monster powered by advanced animation systems.

The float, titled “Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs,” represents the latest innovation from the only student-built entry in the Tournament of Roses Parade, following their 2024 Crown City Innovator Award victory.

The 55-foot-long creation synchronizes Nessie’s movements with lights and recorded music titled “New Horizons,” performed by The Gothard Sisters, demonstrating the universities’ commitment to pushing technical boundaries.

Dedicated operators will monitor the animation system throughout the parade, with backup systems ensuring reliable operation of all mechanical elements during the event.

“When looking for a system to fit our needs, we were looking for a system that could be easily taught to each generation of Rose Floaters, as being in a school program that switches positions each year, knowledge between years can sometimes slip through the cracks,” program leaders explained.

The team conducted extensive research into Scottish animals to ensure authentic representation while maintaining a whimsical tone in the float’s design and execution.

“Blue is not a common color for decorating material – which makes the large water presence on our float challenging. In addition, we wanted our float to be vibrant and colorful while still staying truthful to how people picture Nessie,” said float designers.

The massive creation, adorned with approximately 37,105 flowers and certified as California Grown, represents a collaboration between four specialized departments handling different aspects of the float’s development.

“While our Construction department manages things like mechanisms, electronics, and hydraulics on the float, our Design department manages the concepts and float elements to convey our story,” program officials said.

The float incorporates crucial safety features, including an “overheight” system enabling Nessie’s neck to lower for clearing a 16-foot freeway overpass during transport.

Cal Poly’s Rose Float program, which began in 1949 with a modest budget of $258, has earned 62 awards and pioneered numerous innovations, including the first computer-controlled animation, hydraulic systems, front wheel drive, and propane for cleaner emissions.

The universities’ float program, now involving more than 400 students from both campuses, became an official program under Associated Students, Incorporated in 1999.

Cal Poly’s participation marks their 76th consecutive year in the parade, maintaining their record for longest-running collegiate float entry and building upon their reputation for technical excellence.