Rainy Rose Parade Brings Joy and Challenges
Pasadena, CA – Rain poured down on Pasadena as the Rose Parade made its way through the streets, marking the first rainy parade in over two decades.
A Family Affair
Michael Brooks, a 41-year-old from Monterey Park, stood on Colorado Boulevard with a hot chocolate in hand, grinning despite the downpour. This was his first time attending the parade in person, and he wasn't about to let a little rain ruin the experience for his family.
"I had to be right here, front row,"
- Michael Brooks
A Rare Weather Event
The Rose Parade, a tradition since 1890, is known for showcasing Southern California's mild winters. However, this year was an exception. It was only the 11th time in the event's history that rain fell during the parade.
By 4 a.m., Pasadena had already seen 1.12 inches of rain, with more expected throughout the morning. Yet, dedicated fans camped out along the route, braving the storm to ring in the new year.
Preparation and Resilience
Lisa Derderian, a spokeswoman for the City of Pasadena, assured that parade organizers were prepared for any weather scenario.
"We train on worst-case scenarios and always hope for the best."
- Lisa Derderian
Spectators like Roni Jones and her mother, Cheryl Conley, were in high spirits. They remembered the last rainy parade in 2006 fondly and were excited for this year's event. Conley, a survivor of the recent Eaton fire, found joy in the parade and the community's support.
A Parade Like No Other
The parade, lasting around two hours, began on Orange Grove Boulevard and ended at Sierra Madre Boulevard. For the first time, it was live-streamed on TikTok, aiming to attract a new generation of fans.
However, the wet conditions led to concerns about hypothermia and foot injuries among the marchers. Historically, rain on New Year's Day in Los Angeles is rare, with only 10% of days seeing precipitation since 1878.
A Theme of Teamwork
Originally, the Rose Parade was a promotional event by the Valley Hunt Club to highlight Pasadena's pleasant winter weather. The earliest floats were horse-drawn carriages decorated with flowers.
This year's theme, "The Magic in Teamwork," was fitting, with Earvin "Magic" Johnson serving as the parade marshal. The event also provided free tickets to victims of the recent Eaton and Palisades fires, offering a moment of joy amidst their recovery.
Community and Creativity
Amid the rain, vendors like Kayla Montes and her group from the San Fernando Valley sold tamales, their first time at the parade. Spectators like Jeff Landis got creative, using trash bags to keep his kids dry.
Despite the challenges, the Rose Parade brought people together, creating memorable moments under the rain.
