NAR Centennial Tournament of Roses Parade Float
One of America’s greatest New Year’s Day traditions, the Tournament of Roses Parade is seen by one out of every four U.S. households, and in more than 150 international territories. This coming year, viewers will enjoy a float sponsored by the NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF REALTORS®, wrapping up the association's Centennial year of celebrations in style and reinforcing positive messages about REALTORS® and housing.
The inspiration for the NAR float is the Swiss Family Robinson by Johann David Wyss. As the story goes, the family is shipwrecked on a deserted island. Rather than give up, they pull together to build a unique home among the trees. The home becomes their strength and solace.
The NAR float will use this concept to highlight the true value of homeownership and how important the “home” is to families today. The design is a creative representation of the Swiss Family Robinson’s home among the trees.
View a rendering of the parade float > (PDF: 162KB)
Webisodes Coming in December
In celebration of the float and what it means to NAR and our members, we will feature five webisodes capturing “behind-the-scenes” footage of the parade float's design, construction, and participation in the Tournament of in Roses Parade. There will be a new webisode each week, beginning December 8.
Episodes 1-4 - “Behind the Scenes”
1. Interview with NAR's Float Designer
2. Float Music Theme Production
3. History/Information About the Parade Float Flowers
4. The Day Before – Judging, Parade Logistics, and REALTOR® Participation
Episode 5 - “The Big Reveal”
Time lapse of float build and application of flowers; interviews with NAR representatives, float riders, and NAR members in the crowd; and the Rose Bowl party.
Join in the Fun!
Learn more about the Pasadena Tournament of Roses at www.tournamentofroses.com.
Tournament of Roses Official Tour 2009 Packages are available. Read more about packages >
Grandstand Seating Tickets are available from Sharp Seating Company. Visit www.sharpseating.com.
The Pasadena Foothills Association of REALTORS® (PFAR) invites you to enjoy their lovely city! Visit www.pfar.org for more information on hotels, restaurants and what to see and do in Pasadena, as well as information on Volunteer Float Decorating Days being organized by PFAR.
More on the Parade Float from NAR
Help Decorate the REALTOR® Float! Volunteers Needed
You're invited to be a part of NAR's first Tournament of Roses Parade float. In keeping with the Swiss Family Robinson theme, the entire real estate family is invited to gather and help decorate this creative home on wheels. Register today!
NAR President Dick Gaylord's June 24 podcast discussed plans for the parade float. Listen to the podcast >
Rose Parade Court
First row, left to right: Rose Queen Courtney Lee and Tournament of Roses President, Corky Conzonire
Second row: Daryl De Falla, NAR Float Aid; Raul Rodriquez (with Sebastian), NAR Float Designer; Rita Sahlein; Peggy Vaccaro, NAR Float Liaison; and Tim Estes, NAR Float Builder
Top row: The Rose Parade Court - Mary Gaule, Jasmine Jenkins, Bridget McDonald, Molly Novell, Lauren Valenzuela and Quinn Young
