New Year's Day marks the 130th Rose Parade®. Going strong since 1890, it’s been showcasing our beautiful Southern California weather and foliage to viewers around the country and the world. It all began when Pasadena Valley Hunt Club member Professor Charles F. Holder announced, “In New York, people are buried in snow. Here our flowers are blooming and our oranges are about to bear. Let's hold a festival to tell the world about our paradise." It wasn’t until 1902 that the football game was added to boost funds for the parade, and eventually the Rose Bowl Stadium was built in 1923 to boost that endeavor!

The parade is an annual New Year’s Day tradition for the people of Los Angeles. Many volunteer to build and decorate floats, while others make it an annual event to watch in person, even camping out along the parade route the night before. Some chose to gather together at home to watch the festivities while others go the next day to view the floats up close and personal at Victory Park. A select few have had the honor of being in the Rose Parade® itself, either with a marching band, equestrian group, or seated atop a float.

While the library has never sailed a float down Colorado Boulevard, we do have a fairly extensive collection of photographs and souvenir programs showcasing the events dating back to 1890.