PASADENA, Calif. (January 2, 2023) – Today, the Tournament of Roses announced the 23 floats awarded official honors in the 134th Rose Parade presented by Honda.  These awards recognize excellence in a variety of categories and specifications.

The 2023 Sweepstakes Trophy, the most beautiful entry: encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment, was presented to Donate Life.

The 2023 Rose Parade float award-winners are (alphabetically):

AwardDescriptionParticipantBuilder
SweepstakesMost beautiful entry: encompassing float design, floral
presentation and entertainment
Donate LifeFIESTA
AmericanaMost outstanding depiction of national treasures and
traditions
NASCARAES
AnimationMost outstanding use of animationSan Diego Zoo Wildlife AllianceAES
Bob Hope HumorMost whimsical and amusing floatCity of South PasadenaSELF
Crown City InnovatorMost outstanding use of imagination, innovation and
technology
Bazic ProductsAES
DirectorMost outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-
floral materials
Lutheran Hour MinistriesPHX
Extraordinaire TrophyMost extraordinary floatCal Poly UniversitiesSELF
FantasyMost outstanding display of fantasy and imaginationBlue Diamond GrowersAES
FounderMost outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers
from a community or organization
Sierra Madre Float AssociationSELF
Golden StateMost outstanding depiction of life in CaliforniaClaremont McKenna CollegeFIESTA
Grand MarshalMost outstanding creative concept and float designAIDS Healthcare FoundationFIESTA
InternationalMost outstanding float from outside the United States
Isabella ColemanMost outstanding presentation of color and color harmony
through floral design
Mutual of Omaha Wild KingdomPHX
JudgesMost outstanding float design and dramatic impactWestern AssetPHX
Leishman Public SpiritMost outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial
participant
Downey Rose Float AssociationSELF
MayorMost outstanding float from a participating cityLa Canada FlintridgeSELF
Past PresidentMost outstanding innovation in the use of floral and non-
floral materials
Building Industry Assoc. So. Cal.FIESTA
PresidentMost outstanding use and presentation of flowersCity of TorranceFIESTA
PrincessMost outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet
and under in length
Rotary Club InternationalPHX
QueenMost outstanding presentation of rosesCity of BurbankSELF
ShowmanshipMost outstanding display of showmanship and entertainmentLouisiana TravelFIESTA
ThemeMost outstanding presentation of the Rose Parade ThemeCity of HopePHX
Tournament VolunteerMost outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade
Theme among floats 35 feet and under in length
City of AlhambraPHX
Wrigley LegacyMost outstanding display of floral presentation, float design
and entertainment
Trader Joe’sPHX

 

Scores are based on criteria such as creative design, floral craftsmanship, artistic merit, computerized animation, thematic interpretation, floral and color presentation, and dramatic impact.

This year’s judges – Nicole Cavender, Lois Hiranaga and Jennie O’Hagan – reviewed each float during judging sessions that take place during the decorating stages before the parade. The judges used their scores from the judging sessions to determine the trophy recipients. Banners for each award-winning float will be carried in the parade by select members of the Tournament of Roses Troop, which includes Gold Award Girl Scouts and Eagle Scouts.

FTD is the official floral company and sponsor of the Rose Parade Float Awards.  The iconic American company has been affiliated with the Rose Parade for more than 60 years. FTD decorates the antique automobiles which carry the Rose Parade VIPs down Colorado Boulevard including the Grand Marshals, Tournament of Roses President, Mayor of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame cars.