A new end-of-year celebration debuts with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses SIP & SAVOR. On the event menu is an impressive array of offerings for all ages from many of Southern California’s favorite eateries and culinary brands, along with wines and craft brews from throughout the Golden State, plus an exciting line-up of entertainment and up-close viewing of Rose Parade® float decorating.
The Tournament of Roses® has named Louise Deser Siskel as the 101st Rose Queen at the Announcement and Coronation ceremony presented by Citizens Business Bank. The event took place at the Pasadena Playhouse and was hosted by Chris Schauble, co-anchor of the KTLA 5 Morning News. The announcement was made by 2019 Tournament of Roses President Gerald Freeny and follows a month-long selection process with 24 Pasadena area schools participating in interviews. The Rose Queen and Royal Court were selected based upon a combination of qualities, including public speaking ability, academic achievement, youth leadership, and community and school involvement.
PASADENA, Calif. (October 17, 2018) – Singer, songwriter, and philanthropist Chaka Khan was announced today as the 2019 Grand Marshal by Tournament of Roses® President Gerald Freeny. Chaka will ride in the 130th Rose Parade® presented by Honda, themed “The Melody of Life” and join in the pre-game celebration of the 105th Rose Bowl Game® presented by Northwestern Mutual both are held on January 1, 2019. As an added bonus for millions of viewers around the world, Chaka is scheduled to perform in the parade’s Opening Spectacular.
Today the Tournament of Roses announced the seven members of the 2019 Royal Court. Applicants from 24 Pasadena area schools participated in the interview process. Volunteer members of the Tournament of Roses’ Queen and Court Committee made its selections based on a number of criteria including public speaking ability, academic achievement, youth leadership, and community and school involvement.
Before the final round of interviews, the 44 finalists for the 2019 Royal Court took a group photo on the front steps of Tournament House. Applicants from 24 Pasadena area schools participated in the interview process and seven of the 44 finalists will be named to the 2019 Royal Court on October 1, 2018. The 2019 Royal Court will serve as ambassadors of the Tournament of Roses, the Pasadena community, and the greater Los Angeles area.
The Tournament of Roses is proud to announce 18 outstanding equestrian groups to ride in the 130th Rose Parade® presented by Honda, themed “The Melody of Life.” Equestrians participating in the Rose Parade showcase a variety of breeds as well as unique tack and costumes. All riders must have previous parade riding experience. In addition to riding in the five and a half mile-long Rose Parade route on Tuesday, January 1, these equestrian groups are invited to take part in Equestfest presented by Wells Fargo, which will take place on Saturday, December 29, 2018, at the Los Angeles Equestrian Center. During Equestfest, groups perform trick riding, drills, dancing and roping skills, and attendees can walk through the stables and speak with the riders.
The Tournament of Roses has selected Preston Bailey, Michael E. Berry, and Kimberly Oldis to be float judges for the 130th Rose Parade® presented by Honda. The judges will grant awards based on many criteria including creative design, floral craftsmanship, artistic merit, computerized animation, thematic interpretation, floral and color presentation and dramatic impact.