TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE VIP ENTRIES with J. KEITH WHITE AIFD

The journey began in 2005 when Els Hazenberg AIFD was approaching 30 years designing floral creations for the VIP Entries with the Tournament of Roses Parade and decided to pass the torch to the next designer and generation. As history has a tendency to repeat itself, I was appointed to be a Tournament of Roses (TOR) Parade Float Judge for 2022, which concluded my position with the 30 year mark of FTD sponsorship of VIP Entries.

The first Grand Marshal car in 2005 accomplishment was for Mickey Mouse. From that week on, a new extended TOR family was created! Els was appointed to be a judge for the parade floats the following year. The pressure was on to fill the position of lead designer, and take all the design techniques and mechanics learned the previous year working closely with Els the first few days of preparations before her judging duties began. The mechanics are truly a huge responsibility and an art to securing and protection for each vehicle which was passed on, keeping in mind that no two vehicles are the same!

The most asked question from designers, “How do you keep all the flowers on and not damage the cars”. Oasis Floral foam is used and applied to each space after netting each block or brick, different types of rubber foam are placed on the contact points, which protects the vehicle. Depending on how to angle or place several pieces of the floral foam to obtain a work/design area to meet the overall design concept, coated wire is placed and tied on vehicles for the best hold, solid mechanics a must, along with a water source for floral and foliage materials. As the years progressed and new Oasis floral foam products were introduced into the market, many uses and steps for prep time were decreased, items like the spheres with netting and pre-assembled casket saddles sped things up.

Over the past 15 years the number of VIP Entries has grown from three vehicles, Grand Marshal, TOR President and Mayor of Pasadena, along with the Honda Pace and Sound cars that open and lead the parade each year. The Hall of Fame entry was added several years ago for the inductees at the Rose Bowl Football game. Each year can be different with the number and styles of vehicles chosen by TOR. Still the design time does not increase! We arrive on December 25^th and conclude all the designs by December 31^st.

Designs and flowers are chosen to compliment the vehicle and the personality of the VIP riding in the parade. This is the fun and interesting portion in understanding overall unity in design. When asked the question, “What was your favorite year or vehicle you have done?” I have to say “All”. Each year has it special moments with highlights of overall appreciation for the designs, flower selections and of course, added additions for the Grand Marshal and other dignitaries.

Simple items like real sticks of butter for Paula Deen, life size moss topiary Chimpanzees for Jane Goodall’s carriage, Olympic Rings to Yellow Ribbon forms, and the list goes on. Attention to detail has always been a part of the designs, always keeping in mind they are viewed from so many camera angles and different distances, grandstands to very close up. Color and texture play an important element role with the “parade visual impact”.

Over the years we have worked in different locations. It all began with a small tent behind the Tournament of Roses House, then on to monumental size tents, to the Rose Pavilion building, and back to an individual tent, yes this also has changed with the number of entries each year. The best part is to see all the vehicles on parade morning, lined up behind the Tournament of Roses House and ready to make their premiere on parade route. The sun comes up and the designs come to life in a full spectrum of color, texture, and beauty for millions to see worldwide. A special thanks to ALL my extended TOR family for friendship, support and dedication over the past 16 years, and the memories that will always be with me as life continues on another adventure and journey!