The 2008 Tournament of Roses Parade theme is “Passport to the World's Celebrations”.  The Rotary entry, is Sharing World Literacy Day, and celebrates the leadership in service by Rotarians worldwide.

Eight International Exchange Students will be riding on the float, each representing a different part of the Rotary World.  This will be Rotary’s 28 consecutive year of participation in the annual Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. This theme and design were selected to recognize the service to Literacy by Rotary Clubs throughout the world. 

The float is funded entirely by voluntary contributions from Rotary Clubs and Rotarians throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean.  More than 1,300 Rotarians and their families, together with members of Rotaract and Interact clubs, donate their time and effort to decorate the float.  Construction begins in the Spring and the float is ready for decoration in November. 

Over 425 million people, in more than 100 countries will see the Rose Parade on New Year's Day.  The Pasadena Police Department estimates that approximately one million spectators view the Rose Parade in person. Another 200,000 visit the Post Parade Float Viewing Area where the floats are on display for several days.

Viewing the Float Decoration

The public is invited to view the decoration of floats.  The Rotary Float will be decorated in a tent located on the South-East corner of Seco Street and N. Arroyo Boulevard near the Rose Bowl. Tickets are required for admission to the decorating site.  Tickets may be obtained near the decoration site.  

 Viewing the Parade

In Person

See the Tournament of Roses web site for information about viewing the parade, January 1st in Pasadena.  Grandstand seating and parking is available from Sharp Seating Company.

Television Coverage

The Rose Parade will be broadcast live in the United States by: 

ABC   
CBS 
NBC 
HGTV (Home and Garden Television) 

Home & Garden Television (HGTV) will provide uninterrupted, live commercial free coverage of the  Tournament of Roses Parade® beginning at 11:00 a.m. ET / 8:00 a.m. PT.

The network's comprehensive coverage will be hosted live from the parade route in Pasadena by HGTV's gardening expert Paul James (host of Gardening by the Yard), Master Gardner Rebecca Kolls and veteran TV producer/host Robb Weller

NATV (the Chinese Channel) 
Tribune and Univision networks
KTLA (a Los Angeles Station available on some cable systems in the U.S.)  The parade broadcast by Los Angeles Station KTLA will be available internationally.

Viewing the Float After the Parade

The float can be viewed after the parade on January 1st and 2nd in the post parade viewing area.  See the Tournament of Roses Post Parade website for information.

For more information and to view a video message from Wolf Wilkerson, incoming President of Rotary International for 2007-2008, click on the link below