The Rose Parade route in Pasadena will be the scene of a frenetic “land rush” starting at 12 noon Tuesday as thousands of spectators are expected to descend to stake their claims on prized viewing spots and haul in their gear to last through what is predicted to be a very chilly night (about 46° according to the National Weather Service).
Tournament of Roses and City officials urge visitors to plan ahead and know the rules for camping and parade viewing.
The parade, themed “Best Day Ever!” will step off at 8 a.m. Wednesday for its traditional 5 1/2-mile procession along Colorado Boulevard.
As usual, camping overnight along the route will only be permitted on Tuesday night, New Year’s Eve.
People planning to camp can start claiming spaces on the sidewalk beginning at noon Tusday, but all people and property such as blankets and chairs must remain on the curb until 11 p.m. Only after 11 p.m., can spectators move out to the blue “Honor Line” on the street.
Overnight campers should take heed of the rules:
- Small, professionally made barbecues that are elevated at least 1 foot off the ground are permitted along the route, but they must be at least 25 feet from buildings and other combustibles. A fire extinguisher also must be readily available.
- People under age 18 will only be permitted on the parade route from 10 p.m. Tuesday to 5 a.m. Wednesday if an adult supervises them.
- Parade-goers should be prepared for cold weather and dress in layers.
- Tents, sofas or boxes that can be used as stools or seats are prohibited along the route.
- Bonfires along the route are prohibited.
- No items can be sold along the route without a City permit.
- Selling spaces along the parade route is prohibited.
- Horns may not be sold, given away or purchased along the route.
- No public areas can be roped off.
- Ladders or scaffolding that can be used for elevated viewing of the parade are prohibited.
- Open containers of alcohol are prohibited on public streets and sidewalks and other public areas.
Also barred along the parade route are drones. The “No Drone Zone” ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration also extends to flights over the Rose Bowl during the football game. Anyone who violates the drone ban may be subject to arrest, prosecution, jail and/or fines.
As usual, security will be tight along the parade route, and anyone found violating the law or creating a disturbance will be removed from the area. Parade viewers are asked to report any suspicious activity and call 911 in the event of an emergency, or call 626-744-4241 for non-emergencies.
Colorado Boulevard will close to traffic at 10 p.m. Tuesday and remain closed until at least 2 p.m. Wednesday after the parade and ensuing cleanup. Closures will be effective from Orange Grove Boulevard to Sierra Madre Boulevard and northbound on Sierra Madre to Paloma Street. See here.
Various freeway ramps will be closed in the Pasadena area to control traffic from Tueday night until Wednsday afternoon. According to Caltrans, the following closures will be in effect:
- westbound 210 Freeway off-ramp at Sierra Madre;
- eastbound 210 off-ramp at San Gabriel Boulevard;
- eastbound 134 Freeway at Orange Grove Boulevard; and
- westbound 134 Freeway on-ramp at Orange Grove.
Parking in the area will be limited and often sells out early, so parade-goers were urged to take Metro or other public transportation to the event. Metro will be offering free fares on all of its bus and rail lines beginning at 9 p.m. Tuesday through 2 a.m. Wedesday, and trains will run all night long on New Year’s Eve into New Year’s Day to accommodate parade-goers. There are four Metro A Line stations located within a half-mile of the parade route. See here.