Thousands of eager Rose Parade spectators took to the streets of Pasadena to secure their spots and brave the overnight cold, as many families do as a New Year’s Eve tradition.
Getting a front row seat to the 136th Annual Tournament of Roses Parade is a big deal for many Southern Californians and those visiting from out of state.
“We’ve been doing this forever,” Anthony Serrano told KTLA’s Rachel Menitoff on Tuesday night.
Serrano showed up early and claimed a corner along Colorado Boulevard for him and his family. The second shift, his mother and cousin, was scheduled later and ended up spending the night at camp.
“Anyone who wants to see the best of the Rose Parade must attend,” he added.
Gretchen Hancock, who lives in Connecticut and will be reunited with family friends from Maryland for the parade, said she needed to do something she’s always wanted to do this year.
“We volunteered to fly in and help assemble the floats,” she explained. “It’s definitely on my bucket list.”
Rose Parade spectators were seen staking their rights along the parade route the day before the big event. (KTLA) Rose Parade spectators were seen staking their rights along the parade route the day before the big event. (KTLA) Rose Parade spectators were seen staking their rights along the parade route the day before the big event. (KTLA)
Local businesses closed early as sidewalks began to fill with parade participants making their point. Pasadena Police say Colorado Boulevard will be closed by 9 p.m.
City officials say this year’s parade and football game will likely draw the largest crowds to Pasadena since before the pandemic.
“We have visitors from all over Ohio, Oregon and all over the world,” Pasadena spokeswoman Lisa Derderian told KTLA. “I’m talking to people in front of City Hall and there’s a lot of excitement in the air. We just want people to have a good time, but we also keep safety and security in mind. ”
Victor Camacho and Valeria Lopez are preparing the parade site for about 20 families who are expected to participate in the morning.
“As you can see, this is a pretty big spot,” Camacho said. “Me, my father, and my cousins are planning to stay here for the night.”
At 11 p.m., spectators will be allowed to move camp from the sidewalk to the road as long as they stay inside the blue line.
“It’s really amazing,” Lopez said. “It warms my heart to see families come together once a year and do activities for their families.”
Of course, the Rose Parade has rules and regulations, including no drones, no alcohol, and no bonfires. Small-scale, full-scale barbecues are permitted, but you must also carry a fire extinguisher with you.
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