Volunteers needed to help Glendale Rose Parade float ‘get there’

The long road to reviving the annual Glendale Rose Parade float entry is almost over as volunteers are now being called upon to start decorating it this weekend.

Volunteers must sign up at glendalerosefloat.com/volunteer and head to Phoenix Decorating, 835 S. Raymond Ave. in Pasadena, to lend a hand.

Volunteers can decorate from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and again on Dec. 19. They must stay the entire shift.

A lack of funding caused Glendale to miss the 2015 Tournament of Roses Parade, the first time the community was absent from the parade in a century.

This year, thanks to a contribution from the city and fundraising efforts by the Glendale Rose Float Assn., there will be a 2016 entry named “Getting There Is Half the Fun.”

“It’s exciting because we have worked so hard throughout the year to come to this moment, to this float up close and personal,” said Cindy Badell-Slaughter, an association member. She praised the float’s color and said, “It’s beautiful, it’s huge, and it’s very intricate.”

Those looking to get a sneak peek at the finished product before New Year’s Day can purchase tickets to a “Bring Back the Float” event and reception. Tickets must be purchased by Dec. 22 and can be ordered on the association’s website, glendalerosefloat.com.