It’s time for the 2025 Tournament of Roses Parade — a New Year’s Day floral extravaganza like no other.
“Best Day Ever!” is the theme, and parade fans can expect musical performances — starting with the Opening Spectacular — equestrian units, marching bands, dozens of floats (each adorned with tens of thousands of roses, carnations and other flowers plus natural elements) and more. Much more.
Here are the floats, bands, equestrian units and more, in the order they’re expected to appear along the 5.5-mile parade route. (Note: The lineup is subject to change, even as late as the morning of the parade.)
Pre-parade A. Sound car
Pre-parade B. Pace car
Rose Parade Opening Spectacular, presented by Honda
Canadian singer Kiesza — known for her 2014 breakout hit “Hideaway” — will open the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade, backed by 20 dancers in shimmering reflective costumes. She’ll be followed by Aloe Blacc, the American soul singer who recorded “Wake Me Up,” a 2013 worldwide hit with the late Avicii. Blacc will perform with trampoline wall performers and glowing light tubes.
U.S. Air Force B-2 Spirit Stealth Bomber
509th Bomb Wing, Whiteman Air Force Base
The B-2 Spirit, from Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, is a multi-role bomber capable of delivering both conventional and nuclear munitions. A dramatic leap forward in technology, the bomber represents a major milestone in the U.S. bomber modernization program.
1. Honda
“Electrified Dreams” | Artistic Entertainment Services
Marking its 63rd year as a Rose Parade participant and partner, Honda’s float introduces the Parade theme — this year, it’s Best Day Ever! And, as a presenting sponsor of the event, it’s voluntarily no longer part of the float judging process. But prior to 2011, Honda entries earned 15 trophies between 1995 and 2010.
2. United States Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard
Barstow
The U.S. Marine Corps Mounted Color Guard has led every Rose Parade since 1985, and it’s the only equestrian unit authorized to carry the American flag in the New Year’s Day procession. Performances feature Marines on beautifully adorned horses, dressed in historic uniforms and meticulously groomed tack. As the last remaining mounted unit in the Marines, the Mounted Color Guard plays a key role in recruitment, riding palomino mustangs adopted through the Bureau of Land Management’s Adopt a Horse and Burro Program.
3. U.S. Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band
San Diego and Camp Pendleton
The United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band is a combined military band composed of Marines from the 1st Marine Division Band at Camp Pendleton, the 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing Band at MCAS Miramar and Marine Band San Diego at the Marine Corps Recruit Depot. Donning the dress blue uniform, these Marine musicians are fully combat trained, and many have completed military tours overseas. To become a musician in the Marine Corps, recruits go through an extensive audition process and additional schooling. Although these bands perform individually more than 300 times a year, the Rose Parade is the only event that brings these elite musicians from three separate bands together at the same time.
4. Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside
“Kindness is Free” | Artistic Entertainment Services
Kindness is contagious — and free — as this entry shows from the Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside, which is making its second Rose Parade appearance. The tree at the center is decorated with a mix of dark lettuce seed, crushed walnut and onion seed; the leaves with giant ti leaves, leatherleaf fern, parsley flake, and hanging amaranthus; the blooming flowers in the tree with pink fine strawflowers, red cranberry seeds, yellow and hot pink carnations, onion seeds, and orange lentils.
5. Lions International
“Celebrating a Day of Service” | Phoenix Decorating Co.
Four cheerful lion cubs — with manes and tails of crème and dark crème pampas grass, and bodies of tan ground oats — highlight this entry from Lions International, which is making its 34th Rose Parade appearance. Two cubs wear eyeglasses, honoring the organization’s global commitment to vision care; the other two sport the iconic gold-and-blue Lions vests.
6. Fresno State Bulldog Marching Band
The Bulldog Marching Band has been recognized by the College Band Directors National Association as one of the country’s top eight college marching bands. The ensemble includes members from every major on campus at Fresno State. The band started in 1926 and grew to more than 200 members by the mid-1980s; it’s now at its largest membership with more than 250 musicians.
7. Kaiser Permanente
“More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years” | Phoenix Decorating Company
A day of healthy living — from morning to night — is the theme of this entry from a health-care provider that serves 12.5 million members in eight states and the District of Columbia. The 55-foot-long float includes depictions of nutritious foods, physical activity and mental wellness for people of all ages and abilities. At the rear is a 10-foot-wide sun that expands and contracts.
8. Tournament of Roses Grand Marshal Billie Jean King
Billie Jean King, who won 39 Grand Slam tennis titles (including 20 at Wimbledon) during her playing career, is the 2025 Rose Parade grand marshal — one of only 15 athletes to hold the title. Off the court, King has been a longtime champion for social justice and equality. In 2009, she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the United States’ highest civilian honor.
She will be riding in a Rolls-Royce Phantom III, the final large pre-WWII Rolls-Royce. Introduced in 1936, it replaced the Phantom II and it was the only V12 Rolls-Royce until the 1998 introduction of the Silver Seraph.
Following the grand marshal, two vintage vehicles will be carrying representatives of the Women’s Sports Foundation. Started by King in 1974, WSF promotes research, advocacy and community programming that empowers girls and women to play, compete, and lead — in sports and beyond — without barriers.
9. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
“Friendship Across the Earth” | Artistic Entertainment Services
Two giant pandas — 5-year-old male Yun Chuan and 4-year-old female Xin Bao — arrived at the San Diego Zoo last June and now call the reimagined Panda Ridge habitat their home. (Wanna check them out? The zoo launched a panda cam, at sandiegozoo.org/pandacam, last fall.) When it comes to the float, this panda pair was finished with white Everlasting flower, white carnation petals, silverleaf, onion seed and black Pampas grass; the tiger sports orange marigold, white strawflower, white everlasting flower, peach lentils, cream Pampas grass, black seaweed, onion seed and grey poppy seed.
10. The Valley Hunt Club
The Valley Hunt Club played a crucial role in starting the Tournament of Roses Parade in 1890. Many decades later, one tradition that remains involves members decorating the carriage each year for its entry which carries the club president; this year, it’s Chris Cole and his family. The Valley Hunt Club sponsored the inaugural Rose Parade, with a grand display of flower-adorned horse-drawn carriages that set the stage for what would become the iconic event known today.
11. OneLegacy Foundation
“Let Your Life Soar” | Artistic Entertainment Services
Five Koi Nobori (flying fish flags) offer a colorful display for the Japanese celebration of Children’s Day (May 5, 2025) on this float from OneLegacy, the nonprofit dedicated to saving lives through organ, eye and tissue donation in seven Southern California counties (Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino, Ventura, Santa Barbara and Kern).
12. LAUSD All District High School Honor Band
Established in 1973, the Los Angeles Unified School District All-District Honor Band has provided an opportunity for musical excellence and community representation for more than 14,000 students in the country’s second-largest school district. The band works with more than 300 students from about 75 high schools, composed of brass and percussion musicians, drum majors, shield carriers and tall flags. They’ve performed for various national events, including NFL Super Bowls, MLB World Series games, and with such artists as Ringo Starr and Jon Batiste.
13. City of Burbank
“Having A-Lava Fun!” | Self-built
With its 92nd Rose Parade entry, the City of Burbank travels back to prehistoric times with more than a dozen baby dinosaurs frolicking among a floral landscape amid an active volcano. Designed by Erik C. Andersen, a member of the Burbank Tournament of Roses Association for more than 43 years, it’s adorned with 10,000 roses, 6,000 irises, 2,000 orchids and 10,000 tropical stems and succulents. Technical elements include a volcano eruption sequence that consists of low-frequency rumbling sound effects, smoke and live flames. Also, the volcano and Barosaurus dinosaur have mechanisms that will lower the float’s 23-foot height to 15 feet so it can go under the 210 Freeway near the end of the parade route.
14. Banda de Música Herberto López Colegio José Daniel Crespo
Chitré, Herrera, Panama
Banda de Música Herberto López Colegio José Daniel Crespo (JDC) is Panama’s largest school band — and it comes from the country’s smallest province, Chitré. Founded in 1967 by the late Professor Herberto López, the first musical director, the band today bears his name as a tribute to his dedication to the development of musical culture in Azuero. Members range in age from 12 to 19 years, making up 10 percent of the school’s student body. They honor all regions of the country by adapting Panamanian music into their marching band musical arrangements.
15. Sierra Madre Rose Float Association
“¡Fiesta!” | Self-built
Is there any better way to celebrate your Best Day Ever! than with a fiesta? The Sierra Madre Rose Float Association, a 93-year Rose Parade participant, certainly thought so, so they brought in a mariachi band, dancers and piñatas. The fun is happening amid a thriving garden with protea, decorative kale, croton, gravalia, anthurium, bird of paradise, gloriosa and foxtail fern. Iris, String of Pearls, dendrobium orchids and delphiniums are used in the floral fountain. The flowers in the trees are mokara and oncidium orchids. Mariachi Divas de Cindy Shea, a Grammy-winning all-female mariachi band, will be playing live on the float’s stage.
16. Tournament of Roses President Ed Morales
Riding in a 1911 Rambler Model 65 seven-passenger touring car is Ed Morales, the Tournament of Roses president, with his family. The original cost of this vehicle was $3,050, at a time when the Ford Model T was selling for $680. The original owner was Silas Johnson, a Coca-Cola and Budweiser distributor in Laredo, Texas; his family kept it until 1963.
17. Jackson State University, “Sonic Boom of the South”
Jackson, Miss.
After performing with Usher and Alicia Keys during the halftime show at Super Bowl LVIII, the Jackson State marching band, called the “Sonic Boom of the South,” will open 2025 in Pasadena for the Rose Parade. The marching band began in the 1940s, and consists of students from both Jackson State College and Lanier High School under the direction of Kermit Holly Sr.
18. The New Buffalo Soldiers
Shadow Hills, Calif.
Representing the 10th Regiment, Company H of the U.S. Cavalry, The New Buffalo Soldiers is an historical interpretation group dedicated to honoring the legacy of Black American soldiers of World War I. Established in 1992, the group has more than 30 Rose Parade appearances to its credit. This equestrian unit features descendants of original Buffalo Soldiers, and showcases authentically restored military bicycles and equestrian equipment. The mounted troops ride American Standardbreds, Tennessee Walkers and Missouri Fox Trotters — all adorned with period-correct tack made of brass or iron. They’re dressed in replica Civil War, Indian War, Spanish-American War, Punitive Expedition and WWI uniforms.
19. Visit Mississippi
“Mississippi: The Birthplace of America’s Music” | Artistic Entertainment Services
BB King and Elvis Presley, two American music icons, are celebrated on this float, a Rose Parade debut for Visit Mississippi. Both were born in the Magnolia State, and each would have celebrated milestone birthdays in 2025 — Presley’s 90th in January and King’s 100th in September. Iconic stops in the state also are featured, including the Ground Zero Blues Club in Clarksdale and the Gateway to the Blues Museum in Tunica. Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves will be riding on the float with his family. Also, singer Brandon Bennett and the vocal group Chapel Hart will be performing a powerful mashup of Presley’s and King’s greatest hits.
20. La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association
“Rover Rendezvous” | Self-built
La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association’s 2025 float is a followup to its 2017 entry, “Backyard Rocketeer.” Our space traveler has now successfully made it to the Red Planet, where he teams up with an alien to go joyriding on a modified Mars rover. This float is Earth-friendly, too. About 85% of the materials from last year’s entry have been re-used to create what you see here. And, they’ve replaced the propane-powered animation engine and hydraulics, used in the past, with a full EV battery controlled motor and generator.
21. U.S. Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps
Stationed at Joint Base Myer-Henderson Hall in Virginia, this unit is a largely ceremonial unit of the 3rd U.S. Infantry Regiment, known as “The Old Guard.” Honoring the musical tradition of the American Revolution, Corps members don uniforms styled after those of musicians in Gen. George Washington’s Continental Army, complete with tricorn hats, white wigs, and distinctive red coats. Their instruments — a unique combination of 10-hole fifes, rope-tensioned drums, and two-valve bugles — create sounds that bring historical military and folk music to life.
22. First Cavalry Division, Horse Cavalry Detachment
Fort Cavazos, Texas
Making their 20th Rose Parade appearance, this distinguished unit within the U.S. Army is dedicated to preserving the rich history and traditions of mounted cavalry. Each horse has a black bridle emblazoned with brass rosettes and McClellan 1885 saddles with 1904 quarter-strap modifications. Dressed in period-authentic uniforms from the late 1880s, the unit’s members demonstrate traditional cavalry maneuvers, weapons handling and equestrian skills, bringing history to life.
23. U.S. Army
“This We’ll Defend: 250 Years of Service” | Artistic Entertainment Services
Older than the country it defends, the U.S. Army will be celebrating its 250th birthday this year. This float highlights significant Army heroes, leading with Gen. George Washington and Molly Pitcher, a cannoneer during the Revolutionary War and a trailblazer for women’s Army service. Animation includes smoke rising from Pitcher’s cannon, and the hands of Charles “Chief” Anderson, a Tuskegee Airmen ground commander (sixth from the front), move the goggles up and down.
24. Mini Therapy Horses
Calabasas
A Southern California-based nonprofit, Mini Therapy Horses has provided emotional support and comfort through the gentle presence of miniature horses since 2008, when it was founded by Victoria Nodiff-Netanel. The horses, small in stature, dress in beautifully adorned tack and perform tricks such as high fives, smiling on command, playing on the keyboard, and standing “Hi Ho Silver” on their hind legs. As a leader in equine therapy, the organization connects with thousands of children and adults every year in a range of settings, including Shriners Hospital for Children, the Greater Los Angeles Veteran’s Hospital and UCLA Ronald Reagan Medical Center.
25. Pasadena Humane | Hill’s Pet Nutrition
“Welcome Home” | Artistic Entertainment Services
While this is the second float partnership between Pasadena Humane and Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Pasadena Humane’s association with the Rose Parade goes back to 1910, when its “Animal Ambulance” rode in the parade; five years later, PH took home third place in the historical floats section for a four-horse team. The furry friends on today’s float represent pets adopted from Pasadena Humane, with many of the ones you see available for adoption.
26. Kiwanis International
“BEEING Together” | Phoenix Decorating Company
It’s a hive of activity on this float from Kiwanis International, which is making its 43rd Rose Parade appearance. Mr. Bee has a head of brown coffee and yellow fine-cut strawflower; eyes of black beans, white navy beans, green and yellow whole split peas; and antennas of dark red dried cranberry seeds and bronze fine-cut strawflower. Mrs. Bee has a head of blue fine-cut statice and yellow fine-cut strawflower; cheeks of light pink and medium-cut strawflower; and a body of light tan ground oats, blue fine-cut statice and yellow fine-cut strawflower. Animation includes the wings flapping on both bees. Last year, the Kiwanis entry claimed its second Tournament Volunteer Award (the first was 2013).
27. Kyoto Tachibana High School Green Band
Kyoto, Japan
Fondly nicknamed “Orange Devils,” Kyoto Tachibana High School Concert Band was founded by professor Hisashi Hiramatsu in 1961 with 16 members. It has become one of the oldest female marching bands in Japan. The band has been invited to participate in several wide-scale entertainment projects, including performing as the background band for the promotional song of the 100th Summer Koshien (Japanese high school baseball championship) in 2018. They collaborated with J-Pop singer Kalen Anzai in her 2019 music video, and they played on the soundtrack of the anime movie “Belle” in 2021.
28. Universal Filmed Entertainment Group
“Defying Gravity” | Phoenix Decorating Company
“Wicked,” the cinematic adaptation of the Broadway musical phenomenon and one of the biggest box-office hits in 2024, is the featured attraction here. Elphaba is wearing a costume of black seaweed and black fine-ground onion seed, and a cape of black fine-ground onion seed and light grey light lettuce seed; Glinda’s dress has light pink and pink whole carnations. As for the Emerald City and its gate, there are white button mums, silverleaf, fine-cut everlasting, Kermit mums, gold mums, gold flax seed, mung beans, fine ground parsley flakes and whole green split peas.
29. Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets
The Pasadena City College Herald Trumpets will musically announce the Royal Court in the Rose Parade for the 45th consecutive year. This elite unit features nine trumpeters and one snare drummer, selected from current PCC trumpeters and musicians from more than 70 Southern California high schools. Their first appearance was in the 1930 Rose Parade; they reformed as a unit in 1981, with Director Kevin Brown instructing the group since 1983.
30. 2025 Tournament of Roses Rose Court
Lindsay Charles, the 106th Rose Queen, is riding beneath a jeweled crown canopy. She’s joined by the 2025 Rose Court — Lisette Parker, Saniyah Brunston, Lara Georgian, Rose Queen Lindsay Charles, Natalia Pradhan, Simone Ball and Kate Kelly. Among the 5,000+ flowers and natural elements are white carnations, mums and roses, and pink carnations mums and roses, plus white large lima beans, red fine-cut strawflower, red kidney beans and white fine-ground rice.
31. Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band
Known as the official band of the Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band has marched in the Rose Parade since 1930. It’s composed of current PCC Lancer Marching Band members and select high school students from throughout Southern California; more than 500 high school music students auditioned for the 225 spots in the band.
32. Budweiser Clydesdales
St. Louis, Mo.
Introduced in 1933 to celebrate the repeal of Prohibition, the Budweiser Clydesdales are an iconic symbol of the Anheuser-Busch brand. The team travels across the U.S., performing at parades and events; they’ve been a Rose Parade regular since 1953. Raised and trained at Anheuser-Busch’s Missouri facility, each Clydesdale meets strict criteria to join the team, including needing to be 18 hands (6 feet) high at the shoulder when fully mature. They also must be geldings, bay in color, have four white stockings and a blaze of white on the face, as well as a black mane and tail.
33. City of South Pasadena
“Seas The Day!” | Self-built
With the Best Day Ever! Theme in mind, this entry features three buddies sailing on a boat made with things they found around the neighborhood — fitting because the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses invites community members to donate items to help decorate the float. This year, that list included two types of bark (eucalyptus and malaluka), sycamore leaves, liquid amber leaves and bougainvillea flowers. The ship’s mast rises 27 feet, and the float measures 45 feet from the tip of the turtle’s nose to the bucket of worms and fishing poles at the back.
34. 111th Rose Bowl Game Float and 35. 111th Rose Bowl Game Band
Oregon Marching Band
Representing the University of Oregon, the Oregon Marching Band includes more than 200 members and is the largest student organization on campus. OMB performs at all home football games at Autzen Stadium, and select away games and bowl games — including, today, the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade and the 111th Rose Bowl Game.
36. Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Class of 2024
Heisman Trophy winner Reggie Bush, who helped the USC Trojans to a 37-2 record across three seasons in the early 2000s; former Michigan State head coach Mark Dantonio, who finished his career as the winningest coach in the school’s history and retired as one of just seven Big Ten coaches to have at least six 10-win seasons on their resume; and All-American LaMichael James, an electrifying running back for Oregon from 2009-2011 who led the Ducks to a 34-6 record, will be inducted into the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame as the Class of 2024.
37. Go Bowling
“Perfect Game” | Artistic Entertainment Services
Making its Rose Parade debut, GoBowling.com is an online destination for bowling fans and enthusiasts seeking news and information about a pastime and participatory sport that draws more than 67 million people to bowling alleys every year. You can also learn tips and techniques to use on the lanes and find money-saving deals.
38. Northwest Spotted Drafts
Ferndale, Wash.
Making their Rose Parade debut, the Northwest Spotted Drafts is a unique eight-horse hitch, showcasing the stunning black and white North American Spotted Draft horses known for their striking appearance, vibrant color and impressive performance. Based in the Pacific Northwest, the Wilder family has been raising and showing Draft horses for more than 60 years, showcasing their unique beauty and versatility through public events, demonstrations and educational programs.
39. 111th Rose Bowl Game Float and 40. 111th Rose Bowl Game Band
Ohio State
The band representing No. 8 Ohio State will be marching down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day
41. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo
In 1925, the White Motor Co. produced a bus specifically for use in Yellowstone National Park. This vehicle — in which Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo will be riding with his family — was known as #176, and served on park tours from 1925 until the late 1930s; it replaced one of 53 buses lost in a fire at the park’s maintenance facility that same year.
42. Lincoln-Way Marching Band
Frankfort, Ill.
The history of the Lincoln-Way Marching Band dates to the 1950s, with one high school in a small rural bedroom community in the south suburbs of Chicago. Through the years, one high school turned into two in 2002 and then into four in 2008. Today, the Lincoln-Way Marching Band is a district ensemble composed of the students from three high schools across 105 square miles in the Lincoln-Way Community High School District 210, located in the south suburbs of Chicago.
43. International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association
Birmingham, Ala.
2025 marks the 30th anniversary of the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association, which is returning to the Rose Parade after last year’s debut. Known for their beauty, athleticism and temperament, Andalusians and Lusitanos are popular with equestrians and horse enthusiasts. The Mexican rider brings the vibrant Charro tradition to life with elaborately embroidered silver or pita saddles and attire that includes a suit, tie and the quintessential wide-brimmed hat.
44-a. Louisiana Office of Tourism
“Louisiana Saturday Night” | Artistic Entertainment Services
Great eats, great music — two of the ingredients that highlight the newest entry from the Louisiana Office of Tourism, which is promoting 2025 as the “Year of Food” in the Bayou State, a place known for its crawfish, crabs and shrimp caught in the Gulf of Mexico. The main character is a gator, which is covered with ground split pea, ti and galyx leaves, bell pepper halves; the tail is decorated with lime slices, ti leaf, broccoli florets, bell peppers, corn husk and acorn tops.
44-b. Mid-Parade Performance
For the mid-parade performance, rising country artist Timothy Wayne — who opened for Tim McGraw last summer during his “Standing Room Only” tour — will sing a rendition of “Louisiana Saturday Night.”
Side note — Wayne is McGraw’s nephew, but, when it comes to music and performing, the 57-year-old country music star said this about the up-and-comer. “He’s the real deal!!”
45. Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee
“On The Road With Rotary!” | Phoenix Decorating Company
Farm animal friends hit the road for an adventure, riding a classic truck aboard this, the 45th entry from Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee. The truck’s body is covered with yellow strawflower, black fine ground onion seed and shiny grey silverleaf; the front grill with shiny grey silverleaf, light grey inoculated raw clover seed, black fine ground onion seed; and the front headlights are made with shiny grey silverleaf, yellow fine-cut strawflower.
46. Seminole High School Warhawk Marching Band
Seminole, Florida
With 19,000 residents, Seminole is considered to be a small city nestled in Florida’s big and busy Tampa Bay area. In 2017, after the devastating rampage of Hurricane Irma, the Warhawk Marching Band coordinated a city-wide “block party” that included more than 500 residents, community stakeholders and vendors to feed workers who had come to Florida from all over the southeast U.S. to restore power to homes and businesses.
47. The UPS Store, Inc.
“Helping Dreams Take Flight” | Artistic Entertainment Services
The UPS Store, Inc., winner of last year’s Bob Hope Humor Award, returns with a vibrant, animated float that goes back 200 million years to the Age of Dinosaurs, where a 3-story-tall mother pterodactyl is supporting her two babies for their first flight to leave the nest.
48. Spirit of the West Riders
Arcadia
The Spirit of the West Riders are a living tribute to the equestrians who pioneered the American frontier and are riding in the Rose Parade for the 32nd time. Unit members don authentic, vibrant, Old West period attire. Many riders have appeared in wild west shows, cable TV documentaries and feature films. Highlighting their commitment to historical accuracy, they use restored or replica A-fork saddles, U.S. McClellan military saddles and Spanish rigs, including a restored chuck wagon and mule team.
49. Love 2 Yeu
“Journey of Dreams” | Artistic Entertainment Services
Celebrating Tet, the Vietnamese Lunar New Year, this entry marks the Rose Parade debut of Love 2 Yeu (L2Y), a global youth initiative dedicated to nourishing, empowering and educating underserved youths in the U.S. and abroad. It’s a mission that extends to relief efforts, supporting families and communities in times of need.
50. U.S. Navy Band
Founded in 1925 and based in Washington, D.C., the U.S. Navy Band has earned a reputation for musical excellence and professionalism. Its mission is to inspire patriotism, connect with Americans on behalf of the Navy, and strengthen relationships with allies and partner nations.
51. City of Alhambra
“Good Day Dreamin’ “ | Phoenix Decorating Company
This float — Alhambra’s 96th Rose Parade entry — was inspired by the work of Chelsea Yeung, a Northrup Elementary 4th-grader who won the city’s annual art contest. It features a joyful dog with “fur” made of dark brown buffalo grass, light brown uva grass and crème/white pampas grass. It’s a nod to the city’s dog park that will debut late this year next to the Alhambra Golf Course. Chelsea will be riding on the float with her parents and members of the Alhambra City Council. In 2024, Alhambra’s entry won the Fantasy Award.
52. Coding for Veterans
“Coming Home to New Beginnings” | Phoenix Decorating Company
With its sophomore entry, Coding for Veterans has a float that features replicas of the USS Princeton battleship, an F-35 stealth jet fighter and a Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter with working rotors and tail element. It also represents transitions; Coding for Veterans retrains veterans in software development and cybersecurity via online courses offered by USC in Los Angeles and the University of Ottawa in Canada. Last year’s entry won the International trophy.
53. New England Honors Marching Band
Massachusetts, Connecticut, Rhode Island, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine
The New England Honors Marching Band is a composite band featuring many of the best college and high school musicians from New England. A 200-piece ensemble with winds, percussion, and a flag and dance team, it includes musicians from 15 New England area colleges. They’re wearing uniforms handcrafted to resemble that of the United States Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, similar to those used by military musicians of the Continental Army during the American Revolution.
54. Lutheran Hour Ministries
“Behold! Jesus the Savior is Born” | Phoenix Decorating Company
This entry from Lutheran Hour Ministries — it’s 74th — features a pair of herald angels with wings of white fine-ground rice, and yellow fine-cut strawflower, and bottom skirts of white button mums and Lady Pink micro mums. The church’s stained glass windows are adorned with light blue, dark blue, light purple, purple and hot pink fine-cut statice, plus yellow, bronze, light pink and orange/bronze fine-cut strawflower.
55. Pebble Hills High School Spartan Marching Band
El Paso, Texas
Marching in uniforms of all black with silver and teal accents, the Spartan Marching Band represents Pebble Hills High School from El Paso, Texas. In existence for only eight years, this is the first time any group from that area has been part of the Rose Parade. Composed of nearly 300 students, the band has a repertoire of accolades under its belt; most recently, the marching band advanced to the UIL 6A Texas State Marching Contest, the flute choir was invited to perform at a National Flute Association conference and the group performed at the Music For All National Festival in March 2024.
56. Elks U.S.A.
“Cherished Memories” | Phoenix Decorating Company
Kids experiencing outdoor adventures — biking, canoeing, exploring — are among the cherished memories depicted in this entry, the 18th from the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks of the United States of America. There’s a 20-foot-long suspension bridge mid-float, and two working waterfalls at the rear. Founded in 1868, the organization has more than 790,000 members and is known for funding millions of dollars’ worth of scholarships each year and supporting youth athletic competitions around the country, in addition to welcoming under-served and medically challenged children to camps at no cost to their families.
57. Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers
Sacramento
More than just a drill team, the Painted Ladies Rodeo Performers — who combine full-time careers with their passion for rodeo — are known for their incredible performances aboard American Paint horses. They also are dedicated to community service through the Painted Ladies Foundation, a nonprofit started in 2023 for grieving children and young adults who have lost a parent. Throughout the years, the group has had 10 riders who have lost a parent.
58. CORE Kidney Foundation
“It’s In Your Hands — It Takes 2” | Phoenix Decorating Company
The patient advocacy and support group — formed by kidney patients, their caregivers and living kidney donors — returns after winning the Isabella Coleman Award last year. This float features a blooming lotus, set in two cupped hands, with a hummingbird hovering above a floral waterfall and a pair of trees with kidney-shaped leaf displays. Among the 45,000 flowers are petals of crème and pink fine-cut strawflower, purple fine-cut statice, yellow billy buttons, yellow fine-cut strawflower and “Kermit green” mums that adorn the lotus flower.
59. All Star Marching Band Mexico
Puebla, Mexico
From Puebla, Mexico, the All Star Marching Band is a rarity in Mexico. The band and its members bring together talents from across the country to develop a cohesive sound.
60. Trader Joe’s
“Here We Go!” | Phoenix Decorating Company
There’s so much to see and lots of movement on this 85-foot-long float broken into three units — the 23rd from Trader Joe’s, which has produced award-winners each of the past three years — 2024 (Animation), 2023 (Wrigley Legacy), 2022 (Americana). The locomotive’s boiler and wheels spin, the pistons chug and the smokestack bubbles; eight olives on the second unit spin and the two-person hand crank moves; and eight cookie wheels on the third unit also spin.
61. Helsingør Pigegarde
Elsinore Girls Marching Band | Hornbaek, Denmark
Hailing from Denmark, the Helsingør Pigegarde (Elsinore Girls Marching Band) has been merging traditional military music with modern melodies since 1957. Traveling globally, they perform at 60 to 80 events annually, under the guidance of only their third leader in nearly 65 years. After Major Hansen’s 19-year tenure, the baton was passed to Herdis and Karl Koudahl, who shaped the band’s direction until 2000.
62. Arabian Horse Association Versatile Arabians
Greenwood Village, Colo.
Every horse breed can trace its origins to the Arabian horse, the world’s oldest and only true purebred. Arabians are used as show horses; often, they are the horse of choice for endurance riding, they also race, work on ranches and ride trails. With more than 15,000 members across the U.S. and Canada, one of the missions of the Arabian Horse Association is to showcase the versatility of the Arabian horse.
63. Cal Poly Universities
“A Lake Day with Scottish Animals and Nessie” | Self-built
The parade’s only student-built entry every year since 1949, this joint project between Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo draws on the students’ talents as creators, innovators and leaders. Natural elements include bright green pistachios and splotches of pink roses and carnations that travel up Nessie’s back and spine.
64. University of Wyoming “Western Thunder” Marching Band
Laramie, Wyo.
The University of Wyoming “Western Thunder” Marching Band is the only college marching band in the state, and it’s made up of students from nearly every academic major on campus. A unique part of the group’s uniform is the custom modified Resistol cowboy hat with the branded initials of Western Thunder Marching Band representing the state’s cowboy and cowgirl culture.
65. Los Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team
Altadena
Founded in 1995, Los Hermanos Bañuelos Charro Team is a renowned group of skilled horsemen dedicated to preserving and promoting the rich traditions of charreada, Mexico’s national sport. Based in California, the Bañuelos family team has passed down the art of charrería through generations. Riders wear custom-made suits — all new every year for a fresh look — that have embroidery and silver decorations. The tack is also specially crafted with their logo stamped on the saddles and silver spurs. This is their 16th Rose Parade appearance.
66-a. Enjoy Illinois, the Illinois Office of Tourism
“Play Hooky in Illinois” | Phoenix Decorating Company
Recalling the 1986 teen comedy “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off,” in which the title character, played by Matthew Broderick, skipped school to explore the Windy City, this float from the Illinois Office of Tourism depicts several downtown Chicago skyscrapers, Wrigley Field and — via the floral version of masterpiece “A Sunday Afternoon” — the Art Institute of Chicago.
66-b. Mid-Parade Performance
Brian Culbertson, an Illinois native and Grammy nominee, delivers a musical nod to “Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.”
67. Downey Rose Float Association
“Our Garden Railroad” | Self-built
Downey has a long history with the Rose Parade, with its first entry coming in 1913, a return in 1920 and continuously since 1955. It’s one of only six self-built floats, meaning that it’s financed, constructed and decorated through donations and the hands-on help of volunteers. Several varieties of roses, carnations, iris, and orchids help decorate the base. Riding aboard the float will be Jessica Frometa, 2025’s Miss Downey, and her royal court — Tiffany Aguilar, Allie Hanks, Maya Munoz and Jasmine Smith.
68. Homestead High School Mighty Mustang Marching Band and Color Guard
Cupertino
Founded in 1963, Homestead High School’s award-winning Mighty Mustang Marching Band and Color Guard travel throughout the state to perform in marching band competitions and festivals. During its history, the band has established itself as an innovative and entertaining performance group, developing its shows and style with a modern drum corps approach.
69. Western Asset
“Float Like a Butterfly” | Phoenix Decorating Company
Enjoy nature in full bloom — flowers and a canopy of 20 butterflies, each carefully crafted and animated, their wings moving gracefully. This scene includes real, cascading waterfalls, which glisten as they spill over lush greenery.
70. 605 All Star Band
Artesia, Bellflower, Cerritos, Hawaiian Gardens, La Mirada, Lakewood and Norwalk
Representing schools located along the 27 miles of the 605 Freeway, 500 students from two separate school districts join forces for a march down Colorado Boulevard. After the pandemic downsized each of these music programs, leaders at each school realized the power in numbers and came together to build a unique composite band that had never been done before in California. The ensemble was the idea of Tom Philips, Mayfair High School’s band director, who will be retiring in 2025.
71. The Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team
A Rose Parade regular since 2013, the Norco Cowgirls hail from a place affectionately nicknamed Horsetown, USA. These cowgirls perform daring, high-speed maneuvers on beautiful horses tacked up with western saddles, custom-made Norco Cowgirls Team Saddle Pads with silver conchos and sparkling Swarovski crystals. The riders wear black and hot pink rodeo shirts adorned with hundreds of rhinestones, flying fringe and hot pink cowboy hats.
72. City of Torrance
“What a Beautiful Day” | Artistic Entertainment Services
Students from the city’s five high schools submitted entries, and Sumisha Gottipaty from West High School sketched the winner — a scenic wonderland featuring lush trees and flowers, waterfalls and an aqua-scape with angel fish and a turtle swimming about. Yellow lentil, blue and purple statice, parsley flakes, macaroon coconut, dark poppy seed, red cranberry seed, ti leaves and seaweed are among the elements that decorate the three parrots. Last year, Torrance’s entry captured the Princess Trophy.
73. Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team
Lake View Terrace
Established in 1957, the Blue Shadows Mounted Drill Team teaches horseback riding, mounted drill, leadership, responsibility and teamwork. For performances and special appearances, including the La Cañada Flintridge Fiesta Days Parade during Memorial Day weekend and the Montrose Christmas Parade, riders don their signature turquoise sequin vests. The team encourages children to engage in horseback riding, with a special focus on the mounted drill team — even if they don’t own their own horse. This is their sixth Rose Parade appearance.
74. Odd Fellows & Rebekahs
“Chasing Our Dreams” | Phoenix Decorating Company)
Making its 74th Rose Parade appearance, Odd Fellows & Rebekahs reaches for the stars with an astronaut (black fine-ground onion seed, white fine-ground rice, light blue fine-cut statice, light grey inoculated raw clover seed and dark grey poppy seed with black beans) soaring through a floral galaxy of planets and stars, including Earth (dark blue and light blue statice, green fine-ground parsley flakes and white fine ground rice).
75. Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band
Ranchos Palos Verdes
The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band is celebrating its 103rd march down Colorado Boulevard. The group will again have a “band within a band” — a guest Salvation Army ensemble from Bromley, a large town in greater London. The Salvation Army Tournament of Roses Band consists of Salvation Army musicians from across the United States, meeting for the first time during the week before the Rose Parade. Salvation Army music ministries provide participants with fulfillment through musical excellence with spiritual purpose.
76. Scripps Miramar Ranch
Scripps Miramar Ranch in San Diego, known for its exceptional care and training of horses, the facility offers top-notch boarding, training and riding services for equestrians of all levels. Michele Macfarlane and her equestrian team will be accompanied by TV personality Carson Kressley and a team of professional horsemen. The group’s past appearances have included the Winter Olympics, Queen Elizabeth’s Diamond Jubilee Pageant, and 40 rides down Colorado Boulevard for the Rose Parade.
77. City of Hope
“A Beautiful Day for Hope” | Phoenix Decorating Company
Two beautiful peacocks with floral tail feathers appear mid-float, the 51st entry from City of Hope, one of the largest cancer research and treatment organizations in the U.S., and one of the leading research centers for diabetes and other life-threatening illnesses.
78. Salesians of Don Bosco Southern California High School Band
Rosemead, Bellflower, Boyle Heights
Musicians from three high schools — Don Bosco Technical, Salesian and St. John Bosco — come togeth...