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 theme.
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.
Float design should not exceed 55 feet long and 18 feet wide
• The design should be presented with the front on the right and the rear on the left
• Three quarter view is preferred
• Big and simple—can the audience get the story within 3 seconds?
• Finish it in black ink—pencil drawings don’t reproduce well and don’t show well
• The design must relate to the theme
• A short description is useful
• Don’t draw a flat base—the main chassis is 7 feet wide by 30 feet long by almost 5 feet tall
• Big items tend to work better in back of the float
• You should consider animation possibilities in your design
• You should consider entertainment elements in your design
• If you want to keep your original artwork, clean photocopies are accepted
• You may give your design a title, however, the float title may change by the Association
• The use of live people will be considered if it enhances the float design or entertainment value
2027 Parade Theme -
The theme for the 2027 Rose Parade is "Welcome," announced by newly installed President Terry Madigan, celebrating belonging, family (chosen or related), good friends, and community embrace, emphasizing a universal feeling of being accepted and safe to be oneself.
It focuses on the joy of belonging, creating safe spaces, and welcoming everyone, no matter their background or journey, highlighting unity and acceptance.
HELPFUL HINTS -
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.
