Rotary at the Rose Parade

Since 1890, the Tournament of Roses has been ushering in the new year with a parade of spectacular floats and enthusiastic marching bands down the streets of Pasadena, California, USA.

Rotary became a part of the pageantry in 1923, when the Rotary Club of Pasadena entered a float in the 34th annual Rose Parade.

The club participated in three more Rose Parades — in 1927, 1946, and 1966 — before a Rotary presence became an annual tradition starting in 1980. Recognizing the parade’s potential for promoting Rotary to an audience of millions worldwide, clubs in the western United States decided to sponsor a float in the 1980 parade in honor of Rotary’s 75th anniversary. The Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee was later formed and continues to coordinate the fundraising for and construction of the float today.

Putting together a float is an ambitious undertaking, not least because parade rules dictate that the entire surface be covered with organic materials such as flowers, fruits and vegetables, or seeds. Hundreds of Rotary, Rotaract, and Interact club members from the United States, as well as Canada and Mexico, donate their time to build and decorate the float.

Float themes have reflected Rotary’s efforts to eradicate polio, its commitment to service, and its humanitarian programs. For example, the theme of the 1998 float, “Bringing the World Together,” celebrated the 50th anniversary of Rotary Foundation Ambassadorial Scholarships and highlighted the Foundation’s work to build peace.

The 2001 theme, “Recognizing Tomorrow’s Leaders,” celebrated the many young people Rotary has channeled into positive leadership roles through the Rotary Youth Leadership Awards program. In 2005, the theme “Family Tree — A Century of Service” recognized Rotary’s centennial and the volunteer service efforts of Rotary members, friends, and partners to improve lives around the world.

A joyful celebration of Rotary’s community spirit was evident in the 2025 float theme, “On the Road With Rotary.” The float received the Tournament Volunteer award for the most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade theme for a float that is less than 35 feet (10.7 meters) long. This recognition celebrates the incredible effort and creativity of everyone involved.

Rotary International does not fund the float. The Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee receives donations from individual clubs and Rotary members.

— December 2025