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Rose Parade Kicks Off in Pasadena

Posted on: Tuesday, 1 January 2008, 12:00 CST

By SOLVEJ SCHOU

PASADENA, Calif. - Three military fighter jets streaked over cheering spectators Tuesday to kick off the New Year's Day procession of Rose Parade floats.

People gazed in awe from sidewalks at the spectacle featuring celebrities, marching bands, equestrian units and floats with waterfalls and flowery depictions of Elmo strumming a banjo, tigers and a Honda pickup truck transforming into a space craft.

Thousands of people who spent New Year's Eve camped curbside in Pasadena were joined at dawn by giddy visitors arriving by car, bus and train. The city estimates more than a million people visit Pasadena during the parade and Rose Bowl game festivities.

Gail Paulson was drawn to the parade route although she is blind.

"There's a lot a blind person can appreciate at this parade. There's electricity in the air, the smell of the flowers, the clomping of the horses," Paulson, 64, of Oxnard, said as her guide dog Elton led her to a seat.

The 119th edition of the Tournament of Roses began as sunshine bathed the 5 1/2-mile parade route. The dozens of floats were expected to take about two hours to glide along Pasadena's main street. This year's theme was "Passport to the World's Celebrations."

Some 1,200 law enforcement officers were assigned to the parade to deal with any disruptions. Nineteen people were arrested during the night, mostly for drunk-in-public violations, police spokeswoman Janet Pope Givens said.

Two groups were planning demonstrations. Members of the Chinese Falun Gong spiritual movement said they would protest the float honoring the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, and anti-war activists led by "Peace Mom" Cindy Sheehan said they would demonstrate against President Bush.

The day was expected to be rain-free, with a high of 74. However, wind was likely to gust to 30 mph in Pasadena, and the National Weather Service had posted a red flag warning for parts of Southern California, meaning conditions were ripe for brush fires.

Many in the crowd had come from Illinois to watch the afternoon Rose Bowl football game between No. 6 Southern California and No. 13 Illinois.

Illinois native Jenny Sweer, 43, cuddled up in a sleeping bag in a beach chair waiting for the parade to begin.

"I'm cold and tired. I didn't get much sleep. It's a good year to be here because we're from Illinois," Sweer said.

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On the Net:

http://www.tournamentofroses.com/roseparade/

Source: Associated Press/AP Online

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