Thousands of avid Rose Parade spectators descended upon the streets of Pasadena to claim their spots and brave the overnight cold in what many families hold as a New Year’s Eve tradition.
Getting a front row seat to the 136th annual Tournament of Roses Parade many Southern Californian, as well those from out of state, take very seriously.
“Been doing this forever,” Anthony Serrano told KTLA’s Rachel Menitoff Tuesday night.
Serrano showed up early and claimed a corner for him and family along Colorado Boulevard. The second shift, his mom and cousins, were due later and would spend the night camping out.
“Whoever wants to see the Rose Parade first class, they have to pitch in, you know?” he added.
Gretchen Hancock, who lives in Connecticut and is reuniting with family friends from Maryland for the parade, said that she got to do something she’d always wanted to do this year.
“Flew out and helped with the float building, we volunteered,” she explained. “A total bucket list thing.”
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Rose Parade spectators seen staking their claim along the parade route the day before the big event. (KTLA) -
Rose Parade spectators seen staking their claim along the parade route the day before the big event. (KTLA) -
Rose Parade spectators seen staking their claim along the parade route the day before the big event. (KTLA)
As the sidewalks started overflowing with paradegoers staking out their claims, local businesses closed early. Colorado Boulevard, according to the Pasadena Police Department, will be shut down by 9 p.m.
City officials say that this year’s parade and football game are likely to draw the largest crowds to Pasadena since before the pandemic.
“We’ve got visitors coming from Ohio, from Oregon and all over the world,” Pasadena Spokesperson Lisa Derderian told KTLA. “I’m talking to people in front of city hall and there’s a lot of excitement in the air. We just want people to have a great time, but with the safety and security in mind too.”
Victor Camacho and Valeria Lopes are setting up their parade spot for about 20 of their family members, who plan to join them in the morning.
“As you can see, it’s a pretty big spot,” Camacho said. “Me and my dad and my cousins are going to stay here overnight.”
At 11 p.m., spectators are allowed to move their camps off the sidewalk and onto the street as long they stay behind the blue line.
“It’s just a beautiful thing to do,” Lopes said. “Seeing our family come together once a year, and doing it for the family, it warms my heart.”
There are, of course, Rose Parade rules and regulations, some of which include no drones, no alcohol and no bonfires. Small, professional barbecues are allowed, but those using them must also carry a fire extinguisher.
