South Pasadena Unveils Float Design for 2024 Rose Parade

[South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee]

The South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Committee (SPTOR) has unveiled its official float design for the Jan. 1, 2024, Rose Parade presented by Honda. Titled “BOOGIE FEVER,” the design will grace Colorado Boulevard as part of the “Celebrating A World of Music” themed Parade.

Featuring five animated animals on a verdant backdrop of tropical flora, the float showcases creatures in musical harmony. A tambourine is held by a jubilant giraffe, while an elephant creatively uses its trunk as a horn. An orangutan is seen on bongos, a toucan with maracas, and a snake readies vinyl records on an old-style turntable.

Ed Donnelly, president of the SPTOR, said, “The design was chosen from dozens of entries ranging from kindergarteners to seniors.” The chosen concept was originally drafted by Anne Muller and later translated into a vibrant and functional design by artist Reneé Hoss-Johnson.

Drawing inspiration from the 1970s chart-topping song “Boogie Fever” by Los Angeles-based group, the Sylvers, the float will reverberate the post-disco era’s tunes. Secured rights permit SPTOR to play the iconic song royalty-free, echoing the parade’s theme, “Celebrating a World of Music: the Universal Language.”

In August, Donnelly conveyed to Pasadena NOW online magazine that the design encapsulates South Pasadena’s spirit. “Our float portrays tropical animals in a joyful musical burst, representing the zest and vigor of our town’s newer residents,” he remarked.

With 113 years of participation, South Pasadena takes pride in its float being the parade’s oldest self-built entry. Other self-built floats hail from cities like Burbank, Downey, La Cañada, Sierra Madre, and the Cal Poly campuses.

The float’s construction is underway at the War Memorial Building’s parking space. Those eager to assist can reach out to construction@sptor.org. Decoration squad enlistment starts September 15, with details available at www.sptor.org. The city’s entry, built entirely by volunteers, depends on fundraisers to cover the annual $140,000 expense. Donations can be made at www.sptor.org.

In the prior year, South Pasadena garnered the Bob Hope Humor Award for the most comical and delightful float. Community involvement is encouraged to ensure another memorable New Year’s celebration.