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

Tools

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.

Add a comment

Name:

Comment: 1000 Characters Left

Los Angeles Wave and its affiliated companies are not responsible for the content of comments posted or for anything arising out of use of the above comments or other interaction among the users. We reserve the right to screen, refuse to post, remove or edit user-generated content at any time and for any or no reason in our absolute and sole discretion without prior notice, although we have no duty to do so or to monitor any Public Forum.

On Demand

This content requires the latest Adobe Flash Player and a browser with JavaScript enabled. Click here for a free download of the latest Adobe Flash Player.