This Saturday, Aug. 15, 2015, the Department of Tourism’s Rose Parade® float will make its initial debut on the streets of Pasadena, Calif. Float builder, Phoenix Decorating Company, will be conducting a first test-run of the float to see how it performs on the street.
“This will be the first time the South Dakota float will see the light of day, and we’re very excited to see how it performs and how the public reacts to it,” said Jim Hagen, Secretary of the Department of Tourism. “There is still much work to do, but the Phoenix team has done an exceptional job to this point, and we look forward to seeing the finished product.”
This first test run is necessary in order to be sure everything is operating properly. Another test run will take place in early September.
“The elements chosen to be featured on the float were based on several factors. First was the theme of the 2016 Rose Parade, which is a salute to the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service,” said Hagen. “Elements were also chosen in order to give people an overview of the variety of what South Dakota has to offer. You’ll see a nod to our agricultural economy, Native American culture, and some of our iconic wildlife.”
The theme of the 2016 Rose Parade is “Find Your Adventure.” This theme has grown out of a partnership between the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® and the U.S. National Park Service, and will help shine a light on the centennial celebration of our country’s national parks.
About South Dakota Tourism
Known as the Mount Rushmore State, South Dakota is home to majestic mountain carvings, rolling prairies, sky-piercing granite needles, glittering lakes and the Mighty Missouri River. Located in the heart of the American frontier, South Dakota can also lay claim to one of the largest concentrations of public parks, monuments and memorials in the world, one of which is Mount Rushmore National Memorial.
About Phoenix Decorating Company
Now in its 33rd year, Phoenix Decorating Company has sent 752 Rose Parade floats down Colorado Boulevard. The Rose Parade float builder of choice was responsible for 18 of the 40 floats in the 2015 edition of the parade. The leader in innovative float design, animation, hydraulics, pyrotechnics and live performances, Phoenix Decorating Company excels in brand integration and support to clients that will bring award-winning floats for years to come. For more information, please visit www.phoenixdeco.com.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®
The Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade®, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of associated events. Nine hundred thirtyfive volunteer members act as ambassadors of the organization and contribute upwards of 80,000 hours of manpower each year. The 127th Rose Parade presented by Honda themed “Find Your Adventure,” will take place Friday, January 1, 2016, followed by the 102nd Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. Learn more at www.tournamentofroses.com and on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
