Mid-Parade Performance to feature Louisiana’s own John Foster.

PASADENA, Ca. (Dec. 12, 2025) – Today, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® announced that Explore Louisiana will present the Mid-Parade Performance for the fifth consecutive year. In 2026, Louisiana’s float will bring its signature vibrancy to Pasadena and to viewers around the globe.

The 2026 parade theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” celebrates how working together creates experiences far richer than anything we can achieve alone. Embracing this theme, Louisiana’s float, “Gulf to Gumbo,” pays tribute to all the individuals who help create the state’s most iconic dish. The float features a shrimp boat, fresh Louisiana seafood, and a larger-than-life chef bringing every element together.

Louisiana will provide the mid-parade entertainment again in 2026, featuring rising country singer and American Idol runner-up, John Foster. Originally from Addis, Louisiana, Foster has already made his Grand Ole Opry debut and was invited back for three additional dates.

The Louisiana float showcases the state’s cultural richness through vivid floral artistry. At the back, Louisiana’s state bird appears as a cheerful pelican chef stirring a steaming gumbo pot filled with Gulf shrimp and crab. Surrounding the pot are sacks of rice, peppers, green onions, and the “holy trinity”—onions, bell peppers, and celery that form the base of many Louisiana dishes and symbolize the diverse ingredients that define Louisiana cooking.

At the center, the French Market arch rises tall, draped in Mardi Gras beads and framed by floral displays resembling produce stalls—a tribute to the flavors and vibrancy of New Orleans. Toward the front, the shrimp boat “Gem O’ the Ocean” sails on rolling waves of blue blooms, while playful crabs and oysters gather along nearby pilings.

Magnolias, okra, and tomatoes add bursts of color, celebrating the farmland and Gulf bounty that sustain Louisiana traditions. Embodying “The Magic in Teamwork,” the float honors the farmers, fishermen, and chefs who together create Louisiana’s treasures. More than a parade entry, it’s an invitation to taste, see, and feel the magic of Louisiana for yourself.

Louisiana’s floats have been honored year after year for excellence. In 2022, Louisiana earned the Wrigley Legacy Award for most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design, and entertainment. In 2023 and 2024, the state received the Showmanship Award for its outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment. In 2025, Louisiana won the Director’s Award for most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral materials.

Mark your calendars and get ready to celebrate on January 1, 2026, with the 137th Rose Parade presented by Honda.

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About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® and Rose Parade® presented by Honda

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® presented by Prudential and a variety of accompanying events. The Association’s 935 Members supply more than 80,000 volunteer hours, which will drive the success of the 137th Rose Parade, themed “The Magic in Teamwork,” on Thursday, January 1, 2026, followed by the College Football Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential. Visit www.tournamentofroses.com, follow us on Instagram, TikTok,  YouTube and X, and like us on Facebook.

 

 

 

MEDIA CONTACT:

Candy Carlson 310-749-2820

ccarlson@tournamentofroses.com