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):

Award Description Participant Builder
Sweepstakes Most beautiful entry: encompassing float design, floral
presentation and entertainment
Donate Life FIESTA
Americana Most outstanding depiction of national treasures and
traditions
NASCAR AES
Animation Most outstanding use of animation San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance AES
Bob Hope Humor Most whimsical and amusing float City of South Pasadena SELF
Crown City Innovator Most outstanding use of imagination, innovation and
technology
Bazic Products AES
Director Most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-
floral materials
Lutheran Hour Ministries PHX
Extraordinaire Trophy Most extraordinary float Cal Poly Universities SELF
Fantasy Most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination Blue Diamond Growers AES
Founder Most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers
from a community or organization
Sierra Madre Float Association SELF
Golden State Most outstanding depiction of life in California Claremont McKenna College FIESTA
Grand Marshal Most outstanding creative concept and float design AIDS Healthcare Foundation FIESTA
International Most outstanding float from outside the United States
Isabella Coleman Most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony
through floral design
Mutual of Omaha Wild Kingdom PHX
Judges Most outstanding float design and dramatic impact Western Asset PHX
Leishman Public Spirit Most outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial
participant
Downey Rose Float Association SELF
Mayor Most outstanding float from a participating city La Canada Flintridge SELF
Past President Most outstanding innovation in the use of floral and non-
floral materials
Building Industry Assoc. So. Cal. FIESTA
President Most outstanding use and presentation of flowers City of Torrance FIESTA
Princess Most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet
and under in length
Rotary Club International PHX
Queen Most outstanding presentation of roses City of Burbank SELF
Showmanship Most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment Louisiana Travel FIESTA
Theme Most outstanding presentation of the Rose Parade Theme City of Hope PHX
Tournament Volunteer Most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade
Theme among floats 35 feet and under in length
City of Alhambra PHX
Wrigley Legacy Most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design
and entertainment
Trader Joe’s PHX

 

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.