Downey float wins Founder's Trophy in Rose Parade

Kelly Roberts, left, chief builder for the Downey Rose Float Association, discusses details of the float, which won the Founder's Trophy for the second year in a row at the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena Jan. 1. The float was on display earlier this week in the Embassy Suites Hotel parking lot on Firestone Boulevard. (Photo by Arnold Adler)

By WAVE STAFF

Story Created: Jan 7, 2010 at 12:22 PM PST

Story Updated: Jan 7, 2010 at 12:22 PM PST

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DOWNEY — The float entered by the Downey Rose Float Association in the Jan. 1 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade received the Founder's Trophy for the second year in a row.

The Founder's Trophy goes to the most beautiful entry built and decorated by volunteers from the sponsoring community or organization.

Titled “Jewel of the Pacific,” the 45-foot long, 16-foot wide and 31-foot high float featured some 42,000 orchids of various colors, plus three large puffer fishes and a tropical South Sea island motif.

The float was designed by Jason Redfox and Tom Neighbors. Kelly Roberts was in charge of building the float with his brother Scott Roberts, Redfox and Neighbors offering assistance.

Volunteers from the Rose Float Association and other community groups also assisted with the construction, which was done in a warehouse on the grounds of Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation Center.

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