As preparations for the 137th Rose Parade accelerate, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses has announced the selection of Chaz Perea, Doris Hardoon, and Cathy Hillen-Rulloda as the judges for the 2026 Float Awards.
Their combined expertise will ensure floats are evaluated with artistry, technical mastery, and alignment with the parade’s theme, “The Magic in Teamwork.”
“The 2026 Float Judges bring extraordinary depth and vision to the float judging process. Each of them has made a remarkable impact in their field, and now they bring that perspective to the Rose Parade,” said Mark Leavens, Tournament of Roses President. “We’re honored to welcome such inspiring leaders whose insights will help us celebrate the passion, precision and purpose behind every float.”
Each year, judges present 24 float awards recognizing excellence in Float Design, Floral Presentation, and Entertainment Value.
The most coveted honor, the Sweepstakes Trophy, goes to the entry that best combines design, floral artistry, and entertainment.
The 2026 panel reflects wide-ranging experience.
Chaz Perea, landscape manager at Dodger Stadium and horticulture professor at Mt. San Antonio College, is known for sustainable design efforts that helped make Dodger Stadium the first U.S. sports venue accredited as a botanic garden.
Doris Hardoon, a Disney Legend and former executive creative director/producer at Walt Disney Imagineering, shaped projects worldwide, including EPCOT and Shanghai Disney Resort.
Cathy Hillen-Rulloda, AAF, AIFD, PFCI, an award-winning floral designer and educator, has contributed work featured at events from the 1984 Olympics to showcases across North America and Asia. Her return to the Rose Parade marks the 50th anniversary of her first march down Colorado Boulevard.
FTD, the official floral partner of the Tournament of Roses for more than 70 years, will again bring its floral vision to life.
In addition to sponsoring the Float Awards, FTD designs the floral presentations on the antique cars that carry Rose Parade VIPs, including the Grand Marshal, Tournament of Roses President, Pasadena mayor, and Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Inductees.
The 137th Rose Parade presented by Honda begins at 8:00 a.m. on January 1, captivating millions of viewers as America’s New Year Celebration.
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