You can design a parade float, its easy! Here’s how.
Design Guidelines
Designs must be received no later than Wednesday, February 5th, 2025, by 5 PM at P.O. Box 603, Sierra Madre, CA 91025, or at the float barn (put in an envelope and placed under the door) or emailed to president@sierramadrerosefloat.org.
Design submissions need to take into consideration the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® 2026 President’s theme as outlined above in the hint.
Designers should consider the appropriate use of float riders; Sierra Madre Rose Float Princesses/Ambassadors (2-4) and animation. Float designs should represent a float no longer than 55 feet long and 18 feet wide.
The design contest is open to all ages (need not be a Sierra Madre resident nor a Sierra Madre Rose Float Association member). Designs developed by Groups, Art Classes, or other organizations are gladly received. Designers are also encouraged to submit more than one design.
Please provide a title to the float design. Submission should include a written description (no more than 250 words) of the concept and possible animations. Do not place the title or your signature within the drawing. Your description should be on a separate (2nd) page. Your drawing must fit within a 10” wide by 6” high box.
While only a very simple sketch is required to illustrate the concept, more written details can help in the selection process.
The Magic in Teamwork
The 2026 theme poster honors the organizations, agencies and community partners that make America’s New Year Celebration possible. Embroidered team patches from public safety partners, service organizations, and other parade participants reflect the teamwork demonstrated in working toward a common goal, to overcome challenges and produce amazing results. The poster embodies “The Magic in Teamwork”—not just in grand achievements, but in everyday moments of support, encouragement and shared success.
Chosen months ago, the 2026 Rose Parade theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” feels especially meaningful in light of recent events in the Pasadena area. As our community has faced challenges, from the devastating fires in Altadena to the everyday triumphs and struggles that bring people together, we’ve witnessed firsthand the power of teamwork—neighbors helping neighbors, first responders working tirelessly and volunteers stepping up in extraordinary ways. This theme is a tribute to the strength, resilience and connection that arise when we come together, proving that the magic in teamwork is not just an idea but a reality we live every day.
Design Rules
Designs must be submitted on the 8 ½ X 11 provided “Theme Submission Form” in black & white pencil or pen. This is a simple concept drawing. No color drawings or oversized drawings will be accepted. Do not include the title of the float or your name/signature within the design drawing. Your drawing must fit within a 10” wide X 6” high box.
Designs submitted to the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association will become the property of the Association and may be modified by the Association to achieve construction and floral requirements.
Designers are required to sign a Design Release form for each design, certifying the originality of their design and assigning those design rights to the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association. Submissions without a Release will not be considered.
The designer(s) may be asked for consultation.
The designer understands that he/she will receive no compensation, monetary or otherwise, for the use of the design and that the Sierra Madre Rose Float Association, City of Sierra Madre and/or the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® have no obligation of any kind towards designer(s).
Submitted designs are not returnable.
Designs must be submitted via one(1) of three(3) options:
EMAIL:
To: president@sierramadrerosefloat.org
Your email should include the downloaded form as a PDF attachment.
Name your file: yourfloattitlelast name.pdf (example: Celebration_Smith.pdf)
Please, no spaces in your file names.
DROPOFF
Put the Design Submission in an envelope and push the envelope way under the Float Barn Door.
Barn Address: 587 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Sierra Madre
(Do NOT send snail mail to this address)
SNAIL MAIL
To:
Sierra Madre Rose Float Association, P.O. Box 603, Sierra Madre, CA 91025
(Mailed designs MUST be RECEIVED by Wednesday, Feb. 5th at 5 p.m.)
For further information or questions:
Please email us (fastest response) at president@sierramadrerosefloat.org Or call the Sierra Madre Rose Float Barn at (626) 355-7005 and leave a message on the answering machine. We will return your call as soon as possible.
