Rain Largely Keeps Overnight Spectators Away on New Year’s Eve in Pasadena

Steady rain and cold overnight temperatures kept many would-be campers off Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Eve, leaving noticeably thinner crowds along the Rose Parade route.

Pasadena Now’s Eddie Rivera said there were more covered chairs than spectators, a marked contrast to typical years when thousands line and party along the street beginning at noon on Dec. 31.

No official numerical count was released by the City of Pasadena, Pasadena police, the Pasadena Fire Department or the Tournament of Roses.

Rain began falling during the day Wednesday and continued into the night, with temperatures headed towards the low- to mid-40s. The National Weather Service had warned days earlier of a “near 100 percent” chance of rain for both the overnight camping period and the Jan. 1 parade.

Despite the weather, some spectators still arrived early.

City spokesperson Lisa Derderian said in a Dec. 31 statement that visitors were still arriving from out of state and that “we’re not going to let a little rain dampen our spirits.” She added that the city had procedures in place for rain and lightning, including fire department inspections of bleachers and plans to move or shelter spectators if needed.

Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin said the department relied on real-time National Weather Service data to monitor storm activity along the 5.5-mile route. The fire department typically handles more than twice the usual number of calls on parade day, including hypothermia, illegal burning and medical issues.

Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris said officers were prepared for the hundreds of thousands expected on parade day, noting that some officers would be in uniform and others not visible to the public. “Our jail is empty,” Harris said, adding that the goal was to get through the event without arrests or citations.

The reduced turnout echoed the last rainy Rose Parade in 2006, when the Los Angeles Times reported “fewer spectators” and gaps in grandstand seating.

Floats continued moving into position on Colorado Boulevard throughout the evening, with some delicate features covered in plastic. Tournament of Roses communications director Candy Carlson said organizers made only small adjustments for the weather and noted that flowers “glisten” and “love the water.”

While rain clearly thinned the overnight crowds, hundreds to thousands of dedicated spectators still camped along the route, including families continuing long-standing traditions and RV users who could stay dry.