**The 136th Annual Rose Parade Kicks Off with Thousands in Attendance**
The 136th Annual Rose Parade has begun in Pasadena, California, with hundreds of thousands of people lining the 5.5-mile route to watch the spectacular display of floats, marching bands, and equestrian groups. The parade, which was televised by networks including ABC, NBC, KTLA, and Univision, and broadcast live on platforms including YouTube, Fubo, and Pluto TV, kicked off with a bang, celebrating the theme of “The Best Day Ever.”
The parade features dozens of floats, including one from Louisiana, which is making its fourth consecutive appearance in the event. The float, called “Louisiana Saturday Night,” features a giant alligator wearing a beaded necklace and carrying a Cajun ball and boiled seafood on its back.
As the parade began, thousands of spectators were in high spirits, taking in the sights and sounds of the event. One spectator, Mark Garcia, a retired firefighter from Contra Costa County, camped overnight on Colorado Boulevard with his family and was impressed by the large police presence.
“I was comforted by the fact that there were two to three police officers patrolling the neighborhood throughout the night,” Garcia said. “It’s a huge undertaking, and everyone was in a good mood. It’s a great event.”
Another spectator, Angel Gutierrez of Pasadena, sat with his family around a makeshift bonfire before the parade began. Gutierrez has been participating in the parade for about two decades and said he prefers camping out to save money and get a more immersive experience.
“It’s the beginning of a new year,” said Gutierrez’s 10-year-old son, Rony Plascencia. “My New Year’s resolution is to give homeless people a home.”
The grand marshal of this year’s Rose Parade is tennis icon and gender equality activist Billie Jean King, who has won 20 Wimbledon titles and 39 Grand Slam titles. King was announced as the parade’s grand marshal in October and said it was “like a dream come true.”
As the parade continued, thousands of spectators enjoyed the sights and sounds of the event, which featured high school marching bands and equestrian groups. The Rose Parade has been a beloved tradition in Pasadena for over a century, and this year’s event was no exception.
**Safety Precautions in Place**
In light of recent events in New Orleans, where a pickup truck driver plowed through a crowd on New Year’s Eve, killing at least 10 people and injuring at least 30 others, Pasadena officials have taken extra precautions to ensure the safety of attendees.
“We have very strong vehicle barriers along the parade route, and we have over 1,000 law enforcement officers on hand,” said Pasadena city spokesperson Lisa Derderian. “We’re confident that we’ll be ready for this parade and this game, but with that in mind, we also empathize with what Louisiana is going through.”
**FAQs**
Q: How many people are expected to attend the Rose Parade?
A: Hundreds of thousands of people are expected to attend the parade.
Q: What is the theme of this year’s Rose Parade?
A: The theme of this year’s parade is “The Best Day Ever.”
Q: Who is the grand marshal of this year’s Rose Parade?
A: Billie Jean King, a tennis icon and gender equality activist, is the grand marshal of this year’s parade.
Q: What is the ticket price for the Rose Bowl game?
A: Ticket prices for the Rose Bowl game may range from $150 to $200, depending on the location and availability.
Q: How can I watch the Rose Parade?
A: The Rose Parade will be televised by networks including ABC, NBC, KTLA, and Univision, and broadcast live on platforms including YouTube, Fubo, and Pluto TV.
Q: What is the best way to get to the parade?
A: Spectators can take public transportation, including buses and Metro trains, or drive and park in designated lots.
**Conclusion**
The 136th Annual Rose Parade has begun in Pasadena, California, with hundreds of thousands of people attending the event. The parade celebrates the theme of “The Best Day Ever,” featuring dozens of floats, marching bands, and equestrian groups. Safety precautions are in place, following recent events in New Orleans. The event marks a beloved tradition in Pasadena, and attendees are enjoying the sights and sounds of the parade.
