Rose Parade 2012: Underway before thousands, Sweepstakes to Dole
Pasadena’s yearly spectacle of fantastical floral floats, high-stepping marching bands and colorful equestrian units is underway Monday before thousands of onlookers who crowd Colorado Boulevard under clear, chilly skies.
Themed "Just Imagine," the 2012 Tournament of Roses Parade is expected to attract more than 150,000 visitors this year. The parade is being held on Jan. 2 instead of the traditional Jan. 1 because the parade is not held on Sundays.
Tournament of Roses officials announced the winning floats of the 2012 Rose Parade, bestowing the Sweepstakes Trophy to Dole’s “Preserving Paradise” float. It was the second consecutive year that a Dole float won the tournament’s highest honor.
This year’s entry features a temple styled after Thailand’s Royal Palace, along with an elephant, a tiger and, of course, lots of fruit.
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-- Dalina Castellanos and Rosanna Xia in Pasadena
Photo: The 123nd Rose Parade rolls down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena. Credit: Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times
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