Building the Palmdale float for the Rose Parade
A post by Kelly!
This past week, I had the opportunity to volunteer to decorate the City of Palmdale’s float for the Rose Parade.
I took an 85 minute bus ride with approximately 30 other volunteers down to Duarte, California where the float was being constructed. While on the bus, everyone participated in a 20 question trivia contest about the Antelope Valley. I tied for third place with a total of 17 points (with a max of 60). My prize was a copy of Antelope Valley: An Illustrated History by Allen Gardiner.
When we all arrived at our destination, we entered a tent with eight floats, including ours, being constructed. Our float’s theme is “Celebrate the World through Reading,” in honor of the City of Palmdale’s Library’s 30th anniversary, and tying in with the parade’s theme, “Passport to the World’s Celebrations.” There are moving owls in front of a library with giant books scattered around and a globe.
My job for the day entailed covering three-dimensional letters with craft glue and then covering them with poppy seeds. It was a lot of fun, but also very challenging. I worked with a group of really cool girls, who I got to share stories with. 
Everyone who organized the day was so friendly and accommodating. All of the volunteers received a t-shirt to wear, and had all of the coffee and donuts one could munch on for the day. The City of Palmdale even arranged for the volunteers to have a great sit-down lunch. Plus, we had the BEST portable bathrooms I’ve ever been in. 
It was a long and tiring day, but I’m so glad I had the opportunity to do it. I definitely plan on participating next year, if I can. 
For those interested, our float will be the last one in the parade (save the best for last!).
Kelly,
How about some technical stuff about the float. Fot instance, I've always wondered if they are as big as they look on TV. How are they powered? Does it take more than one person to operate them? Do the people walking along-side have a function or are they just along for the walk?
Paw
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I'm not sure exactly how the float is powered, but I imagine it's similar to a large lawn mower. The City selected four individuals to ride as representatives of the City. I imagine that some of the people walking along the float have a purpose, like keeping the float straight.
Here's some random info about the float:
Float Height: 20 feet
Float Width: 18 feet
Float Length: 35 feet
FLOWERING DETAIL
The owls have been creatively crafted in individual shaped "feathers" of scalloped-cut ironed cornhusk, cobra and sea grape leaves with tufts of cordon puffs, pampas and pharmitas grass add for detail. Sugar pine cone pedals are used for the leathery like areas on the owl's legs. The velvety doctoral robe of gray poppy seed is accented in black chive seed with the mortarboard hat of glossy black onion seed.
Book covers are crafted in a variety of materials including maroon, bronze and purple chrysanthemums. Parchment scrolls are created in gold and brown flax seeds with the magnifying glass decorated in gold clover seeds. The library walls of natural oats simulate aged plaster.
Gardens of vibrant yellow Golden Gate, brilliant orange Verano and red Escada roses are featured. Topiary trees of gerbera and roses add to the over 25,000 roses used throughout the float.
ANIMATION
The 3 oversized owls have realistic movements and the world globe spins. Music adds to this magnificent floral setting.
INNOVATIONS
The 20 foot tall over height library "folds" over to enable the float to pass under low wires and the freeway bridge along the parade route.
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Kelly,
Any idea what this thing cost and who pays?
Paw
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Can't wait to see the float tomorrow. Happy New Year to you both!
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