Cal Poly Universities Rose Float
The Cal Poly Universities Rose Float is a joint entry of a rose float into the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association's annual Rose Parade by both Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo universities. These two institutions have continuously participated in the parade since 1949; winning the Award of Merit in their first year. The Cal Poly floats have led in introducing technology to the Parade, including the first use of hydraulics for animation in 1968, the first use of computer-controlled animation in 1978, the first use of fiber optics in 1982, animated deco in 2014, and the first to create a color changing floral effect in 2017. As of January 2, 2020, the floats have won 60 awards. This program is one of the longest consecutive running self-built[1] entries in the parade, as well as the only "self built" float designed and constructed entirely by students year-round on two campuses. They compete against professional float builders who manufacture entries for sponsors, many of them with development budgets approaching $1 million.[2] This tradition continues today and marks the partnership between the two campuses.
Road & Track magazine did a road test of the Cal Poly Universities Rose Float as part of their annual April issue of unusual vehicles.[3]
For the 2022 float, a football tribute was added in memory of John Madden, who received degrees from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The football read "Madden, Ride High", referring to the school's fight song "Ride High You Mustangs".
History
List of Cal Poly Rose Floats
Awards
Since 1949 the floats have won 61 trophies (over 83% winning rate). [5]
Trophy | Trophy Description | Wins | Winning Years |
---|---|---|---|
Animation | Best Display of Animation (1984 to present) | 1 | 2022 |
Award of Merit | Depicting the highest level of Merit | 1 | 1949 |
Bob Hope Humor Trophy & Humor Trophy | Most comical and amusing, Best display of Humor | 4 | 1991, 2000, 2010, 2013 |
Crown City Innovation Trophy | Best Use of Imagination & Innovation to Advance the Art of Float Design | 1 | 2014 |
Director Trophy | Most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral materials | 1 | 2020 |
Extraordinaire Award | Most Extraordinary Float on the Parade, Including Those Longer than 55' Long. | 2 | 2019, 2023 |
Fantasy Trophy | Most Outstanding Display of Fantasy & Imagination | 2 | 2008, 2011 |
Founder's Trophy | Most outstanding self-decorated entry. | 10 | 1976, 1980, 1986, 1988, 1989, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2004, 2017 |
Judges' Special | Most Spectacular in Showmanship & Dramatic Impact | 2 | 1966, 1971 |
Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy | Most beautiful non-commercial float | 2 | 2015, 2016 |
Mayor's Trophy | Best display of Originality | 2 | 1967, 1972 |
Past President | Most outstanding innovation in use of floral and non-floral materials | 1 | 2018 |
Princess Award | Best Display of Animation (until 1984) | 8 | 1968, 1969, 1970, 1975, 1977, 1979, 1982, 1983 |
Theme Prize | Most fitting presentation of theme | 4 | 1957, 1959, 1974, 2003 |
Viewers' Choice Trophy & KTLA Favorite Float Award | Viewers favorite Rose Parade float poll (KTLA) | 4 | 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012 |
1st Class H | 1st Place - Educational division | 13 | 1951, 1952, 1954, 1956, 1960, 1961, 1962, 1963, 1964, 1965, 1973, 1978, 1981 |
2nd Class H | 2nd Place - Educational division | 2 | 1955, 1958 |
3rd Class H | 3rd Place - Educational division | 2 | 1950, 1953 |
4th Class H | 4th Place - Educational division | 0 | |
References
- Ahrens, Ronald (December 25, 2011). "Even Parade Floats Aren't Exempt From Regulations". The New York Times. p. AU12. Retrieved December 9, 2012.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2009-04-04. Retrieved 2008-11-14.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "Cal Poly Rose Parade Float: Answer to the transportation requirements of the future". Road & Track: 123. April 1975.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-10-07. Retrieved 2015-10-24.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-11-04. Retrieved 2015-10-24.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "2016 Float Awards Announcement | Tournament of Roses". Archived from the original on 2016-01-03. Retrieved 2016-01-01.
- "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 2015-01-01. Retrieved 2015-01-01.
{{cite web}}
: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link) - "Awards List For 2014 Tournament Of Roses Parade". January 1, 2014.
- "2010 Rose Parade float winners announced - Pasadena Star-News". Archived from the original on 2010-01-04. Retrieved 2010-01-02.
- "Viewer's Choice Trophy Poll - the 120th Tournament of Roses Parade". Archived from the original on 2009-02-05. Retrieved 2009-01-02.
External links
- Cal Poly Pomona Rose Float
- Cal Poly San Luis Obispo Rose Float
- Special Collections History page
- Unofficial Documentary YouTube Site