“We’ve reached all the ‘all hands-on deck’ portion of the journey,” says Ed Donnelly, SPTOR President. “With the tent up at the float site, we’re now at the point where the committee is simultaneously building the frame, sourcing flowers and natural materials to decorate it, and fundraising to pay for it all.”
Being built by volunteers under a tent at SPTOR’s float site adjacent to the War Memorial Building on Fair Oaks in South Pasadena, the city’s 2025 float entry features three aquatic animals riding on a self-built boat sailing into new adventures. Titled “Seas the Day,” the design reflects the committee’s idea of the “Best Day Ever,” the overall theme of the 2025 Rose Parade®. “Seas the Day” will roll down Colorado Boulevard on January 1, 2025 playing Styx’s iconic song “Come Sail Away.”
In addition to the hours of volunteer labor required to construct the City’s completely self-built float, the committee works year-round to raise $150,000 to purchase flowers and construction materials each year. To date, the committee has hosted a “Cuatro de Mayo” fiesta, a yard sale at the War Memorial Building, a golf tournament on Father’s Day weekend, and lawn sign sales and a dunk tank on the 4th of July. Local businesses have sponsored banners hanging in the tent at the build site, and the committee is selling souvenirs through its website and souvenir stand at the float site. Tickets for SPTOR’s annual raffle went on sale August 10th. Only 250 $100 tickets will be sold for the chance to win three prizes: 1st Prize: 4 tickets to the 2025 Rose Bowl Game, 2nd Prize: 4 VIP Parade Tickets in the viewing section on Orange Grove Boulevard, and 3rd Prize: $300 cash. Fundraising continues in the fall with SPTOR’s annual direct mail appeal for donations, a See’s Candy Sale in November, and the annual Crunch Time Party and Crunch Time Silent Auction in December.
In addition to securing funds, the committee is now recruiting volunteer builders and decorators. To inquire about volunteering on the construction crew, email construction@sptor.org. Signups for the “deco” (decoration) squad begin September 15, 2024. Visit www.sptor.org for more information.
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