A perfect day for a parade

American Honda entry “Once Upon A Time” featured a fire-breathing dragon.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

Detail photo of American Honda’s “Once Upon A Time” entry that wom the City Crown Innovation award.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

The high-stepping Grambling State University Tiger Marching Band entertains the crowd along Colorado Blvd.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

A participant soars above Colorado Blvd during the 118th Annual Rose Parade.  (Anne Cusack / LAT)

The Martinez Family makes their 27th consectutive Rose Parade. Group members are renowned trick ropers that perform at Wild West shows.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

“A Universe Of Opportunity” by Western Asset was the Director’s Award winner in the 118th Annual Rose Parade.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

China Airlines “Natural Beauty of Taiwan” entry won the International Award in the 118th Annual Rose Parade.  (Anne Cusack / LAT)

An assembly of Star Wars storm-troopers gathered from 22 different countries and 36 U.S. states formed the centerpiece of the Star Wars Spectacular at the 118th Annual Rose Parade.  (Anne Cusack / LAT)

The Tournament of Roses and the Pasadena Police Department were anticipating one million spectators at the 118th Rose Parade.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

John Perry of San Diego gets into the sprit of the occasion at the 118th Rose Parade.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

A member of the Pulaski Red Raider Marching Band shows the wear and tear of marching the 5.5-mile route in the 118th Rose Parade.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

Rose Queen Mary McCluggage and her court make their way down Colorado Blvd. during the 118th Rose Parade.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

The 252 members of the Kingwood High School Band make their way down Colorado Blvd. during the 118th Rose Parade. The band is making its first Rose Parade apperance.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

Rose Queen Mary McCluggage waves to the crowd during the start of the 118th Rose Parade.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

A giant bald eagle rises from the top of the NAMM entry at the 118th Rose Parade.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

Dancers and the Oklahoma All-Star Centennial Band kick off the 118th Rose Parade. This year’s parade features 45 floats, 22 marching bands and 23 equestrian units walking the 5 1/2-mile route through Pasadena.  (Anne Cusack / LAT)

The NAMM entry, winner of the Craftsman Award, makes its way down Colorado Blvd. during the 118th Rose Parade.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

FTD’s “Jewels Of Nature” entry won the Sweepstakes Award for the 118th Rose Parade.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

The Farmers Insurance float, Mother Nature, makes its way down Colorado Blvd. during the 118th Rose Parade. The entry won the Theme Award for excellence in presenting parade theme.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

The Oklahoma All-Star Centennial Band consists of high school musicians and was created to mark Oklahoma’s 100th-year celebration.  (Stephen Osman / LAT)

The tuba section of the Oklahoma All-Star Centennial Band begins the 5.5-mile march down Colorado Blvd. in the 118th Rose Parade.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

The City of Los Angeles entry in the 118th Rose Parade is entitled “Building a Future.”  (Francine Orr / LAT)

FTD’s “Jewels Of Nature” entry won the Sweepstakes Award.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

The NAMM entry, entitled “Natural Harmonies, Oh Say Can You Sing,” won the Craftsman Award for exceptional showmanship and dramatic impact.  (Anne Cusack / LAT)

The 301-member Butler Golden Tornado Marching Band from Pennsylvania makes its way down Colorado Blvd. during the 118th Rose Parade.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

A small fire keeps parade attendees warm in the pre-dawn hours on Colorado Blvd. before the start of the 118th Rose Parade.  (Francine Orr / LAT)

The theme of the 118th Rose Parade is “Our Good Nature.”  (Francine Orr / LAT)