You Can Help Build the City’s Rose Parade Float

Photo: Juan Matute

Santa Monica residents will have a chance to take part in one of the city’s most visible civic projects in decades.

During this week’s State of the City address, city officials announced that community members will be invited to help decorate Santa Monica’s 2027 Tournament of Roses Parade float, with volunteer opportunities on weekends between November 14 and December 30. You can reserve a volunteer spot at the city’s official website.

According to the volunteer registration page created by float builder Artistic Entertainment Services (AES), volunteers will spend approximately four-hour shifts applying flowers, seeds, bark, and other natural materials to the float in the days leading up to the New Year’s Day parade. Participants must be at least 13 years old, and volunteers under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Registration is expected to open this fall, with decorating taking place at the AES facility in Irwindale.

The volunteer program was part of the city’s original proposal when the Santa Monica City Council approved spending up to $650,000 on the float in June. At the time, city staff emphasized that the project would include opportunities for residents, schools, nonprofits, and local businesses to participate both through fundraising and the traditional floral decorating process.

City leaders have framed the Rose Parade appearance as part of Santa Monica’s broader economic revitalization strategy, designed to showcase the city ahead of a series of international events, including the 2028 Olympic Games. The float, themed around the Tournament of Roses’ 2027 theme, “Welcome,” is expected to highlight Santa Monica’s beaches, pier, arts scene, environmental stewardship, and commitment to sustainable transportation.

Residents interested in volunteering can sign up now to receive updates from the float builder as registration opens later this year. The 2027 Rose Parade will take place on New Year’s Day and will be televised to millions of viewers around the world.

About The Author

Damien Newton

Damien is the executive director of the Southern California Streets Initiative which publishes Santa Monica Next, Streetsblog Los Angeles, Streetsblog San Francisco, Streetsblog California and Longbeachize.

See author's posts