One of the things I know this time of year is that there’s Christmas, then there’s the Tournament of Roses Parade. It’s something that I grew up watching with my Grandparents and even now on New Years it’s still something that I watch with my little family. It’s about tradition and the grand scope of how incredible the floats are.
This years theme for the Tournament of Roses Parade is Making A Difference. It’s something I can easily believe in and it’s something that Dole Packaged Foods is equally as inspired by. Their mission to protect the environment and provide families like mine with fresh healthy foods. I’m a big fan of their Non-GMO practices and was so thrilled when I actually got the chance to take my family to check out their float for the Rose Parade today.
Right away I was struck at the amount of time and effort that goes into the floats for the Rose Parade. Dole has been participating in the parade for 8 years. This year their float stands 26 feet tall and 55 feet wide. It’s really all about the details and my favorite small detail were the Dole banana chips on the octopus 
The float aims to serve as a celebration of Dole’s passion for the environment. The development of this year’s Sharing Nature’s Bounty float theme was also stirred by the dynamic partnership between Dole, Feeding America and FOOD Share.
Personally I got to hear from Jennifer Caldwell from FOOD Share and she told me all about Dole’s efforts to support underserved communities that are in need of fresh and healthy food. Jennifer who will also be riding on the float was extremely passionate about the communities that she serves that are in need. It was wonderful to hear form her how Dole has stepped up many times this year to help support hose in need with everything form our wildfires here in Southern California to the hurricane victims in Texas. It’s really that passion for fresh healthy foods and families that brings the two together in such a wonderful partnership. It’s a true testament to the power of giving and really brings home that Sharing Nature’s Bounty float theme.
The float itself is just incredible. Every detail including animation and even a waterfall make this float one of our favorites. The large animals and marine life form all over the world feature realistic movements. There’s even a 16-foot tall waterfall flows with over 2,000 gallons of cascading recycled water and 12 dancers at street level perform a fusion of traditional and modern dance from around the world.
- FLOWERING DETAIL
- 50,000+ Mokara orchids and roses
- 7,000 hot pink Topaz roses
- 3,000 Oncidium orchids
- 5,000 purple and lavender dendrobium orchids
I loved getting to see the float get its final touches today. You really get a sense for how much goes into each of the floats at the Rose Parade. You can also see how Dole stands out, their float really was majestic and we can’t wait to see it on parade day!!
You can learn more about Dole Packaged Foods and see the floats this year in the Rose Parade. You can learn more about how you can help Feeding America and Food Share on their website.
I would love to see the Tournament of Roses Parade . I can imagine how amazing the floats must look.