​​The oldest self-built float in the rose parade

​​​​​​Anyone is welcome to submit a float design concept for the SPTOR float! Just send us a simple sketch of your idea or concept and you could see it come to life on New Year's Day. We can't wait to see your creativity at work! Please consider the 2024 Rose Parade theme below and see our design submission form for more details. All submissions must be postmarked or received by 5pm on January 20th, 2023 for consideration. Drop off and mailing locations can be found on the submission form.


2024 Rose Parade Theme: Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language

The 2024 theme celebrates the role of music in our lives and as part of our collective culture and unique stories.

Design Next Years Float!


Volunteer Parking: Volunteers will be able to park on Fair Oaks and W. State Street. (Do not park in the shopping complex parking lot.)

Handicap Parking: Handicap Parking will be provided on the North Side of Mound Street (from Fair Oaks to the War Memorial parking lot entrance).

Resident Parking: Residents of Mound Street will be issued permits. The permits are only for the residential area located West of the War Memorial parking lot entrance.

​Volunteer Drop-Off/Pick-Up: The area directly in front of the War Memorial parking lot entrance is designated for the drop-off/pick-up of volunteers. There will be no parking across from the entrance to the parking lot to allow vehicles to turn around.


Pre-Volunteer Checklist:

  • Review Decorator Rules and Guidelines below
  • Fill out and bring the Medical Release Form available here
  • Review Parking information below
  • Please show up 15 mins before shift
  • Contact volunteer@sptor.org if you have any questions

Parking at the Float Site

SPTOR and the City of South Pasadena Police and Fire Chiefs have worked together to develop a parking plan at the float site (435 Fair Oaks Ave) that will provide better volunteer access, reduce traffic congestion, increase safety, and provide parking for the residents of Mound Street. The plan, outlined below, will be implemented at the float site from December 26th to January 1st.


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Construction

Volunteers are needed from June through November to help build the core of the float prior to its final floral decorations. Please email construction@sptor.org if you would like to offer your time and skills.

Decoration


Volunteers are needed to add flowers, seeds, and other materials that will turn the float into a beautiful work of art. We begin decorating in October, culminating in "Deco Week" December 26th-30th. Please review our decoration schedule to see our working days and times.


Volunteers are welcome to join at any shift for walk-up, first-come spots, but we also take advanced sign-ups to ensure you can help at your desired time. Advanced sign-up is especially encouraged for larger groups. Please review our calendar and sign-up form links below.


We award service hours for time worked. Please ask the volunteer sign-in staff to complete your form.

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Note: Volunteer sign-ups will open on 9/15/23

Decorator Rules and Guidelines

Thank you for your interest in volunteering to decorate the SPTOR float! It is truly a rewarding experience to watch a float you helped create proudly turn the corner on Colorado Boulevard on New Year's Day. If this will be your first time decorating a Rose Parade float, you will get a glimpse of the long hours and dedication put into each float, as well as the wonderful memories of working with the community to create a work of art. Newcomers and old-timers alike are welcome to join the decorating effort. Before you do so, please review the rules and guidelines to ensure an enjoyable and safe experience is had by all.


  • We will follow all local Health Department guidelines with respect to Covid-19 precautions at the time of float decorating. Volunteers working on decorating the float will be in an outdoor venue.
  • Volunteers must be at least 13 years of age to work on the float itself. Children ages 8-12 will be able to volunteer in the vicinity of the float (e.g. preparing seeds and flowers to be placed on the float with a parent or guardian present.) Unfortunately, we are unable to accommodate volunteers under age 8.

  • All volunteers must complete a Medical Release Form. Every minor must have a parent/guardian signed form. Please fill this out prior to your arrival and bring a printed copy with you to the float site. Please do not send us your form prior to your volunteer shift.

  • If you have signed up for a shift, please arrive on time and stay until your shift is complete. If you are a walk-up volunteer, please show up 15 minutes prior to the start of a shift. See the decoration calendar for more details about working days and shift times. 
  • You will be working outdoors in a mostly covered area. Please dress in warm layers, with long-sleeved shirts and long pants recommended. Wear closed-toed shoes and old clothing that you do not mind getting paint, glue, etc. on. 
  • Children should be supervised by a parent/guardian or accompanying adult while volunteering. 
  • Wear old, comfortable closed-toe and closed-heel shoes. No sandals allowed. Long hair should be tied back. 
  • Coffee and hot chocolate will be available in the volunteer tent. Sodas, water, and snacks will be available for purchase. ​Please bring your own snacks/meals as necessary.
  • Music players with headphones must not be worn while working on the float.
  • Cell phones may not be used on the float, ladders, or scaffolding. Step outside to a safe area to use your phone. 
  • Smoking is not allowed within 50 feet of the work areas. 
  • Please lock your valuables out of sight in the trunk of your car or leave them at home. Please do not bring purses to the float site, as it is not a secure area for your valuables. 
  • Adhesives and paint used on the float have the potential to cause skin and respiratory irritation. Masks and gloves are available upon request. Those who use an inhaler or Epi-Pen should carry those items on their person and notify our staff at check-in. 
  • No running, horseplay, or unsafe activity in the work areas. Unsafe behavior will be grounds for removal from the work site for the remainder of the season. 
  • Inappropriate language or actions, or failure to follow directions of our staff are grounds for removal from the work site.
  • SPTOR does not carry medical insurance. Volunteers are expected to carry adequate personal medical insurance.