2 Riders for Cal Poly Float
Two children will be the first riders on Cal Poly Pomona’s Rose Parade float in more than 30 years.
The Make-a-Wish Foundation, which fulfills the dreams of terminally ill children, arranged the rides for Wendy Cashdon, 6, and John Mercer, 5, both of whom have cystic fibrosis. John is a La Canada Flintridge resident and Wendy lives in San Luis Obispo. They will ride on the Cal Poly float, which is being built by students at Cal Poly Pomona and its sister campus, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.
In keeping with the 1994 parade theme “Fantastic Adventure,” the Cal Poly float depicts a young girl so involved in reading “Tales of the Arabian Nights” that her imagination comes alive, taking her on a magic carpet ride over a snake charmer, merchants and an Arabian palace.
The Cal Poly float is the only entry built entirely by students. In past years, Cal Poly floats have won a total of 22 major awards.
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