Despite heavy rainfall, 19 bands and 43 floats gathered at the 137th Rose Parade on Jan. 1 in Pasadena. This marked the first rainy parade in 20 years. Adjustments were made; performers wore ponchos, and the car tops for VIPs were raised. Aside from that, the parade went on as expected. Participants in the Rose Parade marched the 5.5 miles through Orange Grove Blvd. till the end at Villa St.
The Arcadia High School (AHS) Marching Band and Color Guard marked their 18th appearance at the Rose Parade and were among the eight high schools featured in the parade. Led by Drum Major junior Riley Liang and directed by Mr. Tom Plunkett and Mr. Kevin Sherrill, the Marching Band and Color Guard performed “The Southerner” and “Percussion Cadences.”
“Performing for so many people was a really amazing feeling despite all the troubles we had. Towards the end, I was feeling a little sad that it was almost over,” said sophomore Katryna Nguyen, a member of color guard. “Hopefully, Arcadia has another chance to perform again, but fingers crossed, not in the rain.”
This year, the Royal Court consisted of two seniors from AHS; Rose Court Princess Sophia Ren and Rose Court Queen Serena Guo.
The theme for the Tournament of Roses was “The Magic in Teamwork,” a tribute to strength, resilience, and connection within the community. This theme was reflected in the floats, such as Lions International’s float, “In Harmony We Serve.” It consisted of lions rowing a canoe, symbolizing unity and collective compassion.
PHOTO COURTESY OF DCI
