You can design a parade float, its easy! Here’s how.
Design Guidelines
Designs must be received no later than Wednesday, February 4th, 2026, 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® 2027 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.
2027 Parade Theme Hint
We don’t know the theme for the 2027 parade yet, but we have a hint to help you with designing a perfect float. We will all learn the new parade theme around January 15th from the new President and we’ll update this section with more info once we get it.
Here’s our hint for the next parade:
The 2027 Theme is all about everyone belonging. It is about being cherished and valued for being you. It celebrates the importance of everyone being seen and heard and knowing you belong.
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. 4th 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.
