The Rose Parade’s 2025 Sweepstakes Award, which honors the most beautiful entry of the event, was awarded to the Cal Poly Universities on January 1, 2025. This recognition marks a significant milestone as it is the first time Cal Poly Universities has received this prestigious trophy, and only the seventh instance of a self-built float achieving this honor.
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses announced that a total of 23 floats were recognized with official honors across various categories, showcasing exceptional creativity, design, and floral artistry. Some of the notable awards included:
– **Americana**: Most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions – South Dakota (AES)
– **Animation**: Most outstanding use of animation – Kindness is Free Powered by Boys & Girls Clubs of WSGV&E (AES)
– **Bob Hope Humor**: Most whimsical and amusing float – City of Alhambra (Phoenix)
– **Crown City Innovator**: Most outstanding use of imagination, innovation, and technology – Shrinking, Apple TV and Warner Bros. Television (Phoenix)
– **Director**: Most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral materials – The UPS Store (AES)
– **Extraordinaire**: Most extraordinary float – San Francisco Travel Association (Fiesta)
– **Fantasy**: Most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination – Rising Together (AES)
– **Founder**: Most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers – Downey Rose Float Association (Self)
– **Golden State**: Most outstanding depiction of life in California – Odd Fellows & Rebekahs (Phoenix)
– **Grand Marshal**: Most outstanding creative concept and float design – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (AES)
The Sweepstakes Award is regarded as the most coveted recognition of the parade, encompassing float design, floral presentation, and entertainment.
Judging Panel and Their Expertise
The panel responsible for selecting the award-winning floats included esteemed professionals in the field of design and horticulture. Among them were Cathy Hillen-Rulloda, an award-winning floral designer; Doris Hardoon, a former executive at Disney who contributed to the design of EPCOT; and Chaz Perea, the landscape manager at Dodger Stadium and a horticulture professor at Mt. San Antonio College.
Each year, this three-member panel evaluates floats across various criteria, including design, floral presentation, and entertainment value. Their expertise ensures that the awards reflect not only aesthetic appeal but also innovation and creativity.
Perea’s recent work at Dodger Stadium has earned recognition for transforming the grounds into the first U.S. sports arena accredited as a botanic garden. Hardoon’s design legacy includes landmark projects, such as the Shanghai Disney Resort. Hillen-Rulloda returns to the Rose Parade this year, celebrating the 50th anniversary of her participation as part of the St. Albans High School marching band from West Virginia.
As the Rose Parade continues to be a cherished New Year’s tradition, the recognition of such diverse and imaginative floats illustrates the ongoing commitment to excellence and creativity within the community. The parade not only showcases beautiful floral designs but also emphasizes the cultural significance of various themes and narratives presented through the floats.
Overall, the Rose Parade remains a vibrant celebration of artistry and community spirit, with the 2025 event further solidifying its reputation for outstanding creativity and innovation in float design.
