On the parade route

A member of the Banuelos Charro Team twirls a lasso while riding down Colorado Blvd.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Spectators watch as members of the California State Firefighters Association drive antique fire engines along Colorado Blvd.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Dancers march with the Chinese Olympics-themed float “One World, One Dream,” featuring the five official mascots of the 2008 Beijing Games. The float won the Theme Trophy for excellence in presenting the parade theme.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

University of Illinois musicians toot their horns at the start of a busy day for the marching band, which will be rooting for the Fighting Illini in the Rose Bowl in the afternoon.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

A University of Illinois marching band cheerleader stands on strong shoulders.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

USC Trojan Marching Band drummers set the beat as they march down Colorado Boulevard. They’ll do quite a bit of pounding and marching Tuesday, including their appearance later at the Rose Bowl game.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Spectators watch the University of Illinois Marching Illini band along Sierra Madre Boulevard.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)

Floats and marching bands traverse Colorado Boulevard during the parade, which enjoyed fair weather and a respite from the previously forecast Santa Ana winds.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

Spectators maneuver for the best angle to see the floats and marching bands.  (Spencer Weiner / Los Angeles Times)

The American Chinese Culture Assn. performs a dragon dance alongside the “Happy Chinese New Year” float sponsored by the city of Alhambra and built by Phoenix Decorating Co.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

The Missouri State University Pride Marching Band heads down Colorado Boulevard after helping kick off the parade. The group, from Springfield, Mo., is directed by Jerry Hoover and features more than 300 members.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

Anthony Armendariz, left, and Boy Martinez, members of the Los Angeles Unified School District All Star Marching Band, get water, food and rest at the end of the Rose Parade in Pasadena on New Year’s Day.  (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times)