Getting all flowered up for the parade

While the U.S. Senate deliberates upon her successor, retiring Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor, who is grand marshal of the 117th Rose Parade, has some big shoes to fill herself -- very large yellow ones, to be exact -- those of last year’s grand marshal, Mickey Mouse.

Because New Year’s Day falls on a Sunday this year, the Rose Parade will run Monday, and the Rose Bowl Game between USC and the University of Texas -- this year, deciding the national title -- is set for Wednesday.

The parade, with its more than 40 traditional floral floats, 25 marching bands and 22 equestrian teams, begins its 5 1/2 -mile journey at 8 a.m. The theme of this year’s parade is “It’s Magical.”

If this is the year television just won’t do, spectators can try to stake out a free, curbside viewing spot available on a first-come, first-served basis beginning at noon Sunday. More than 70,000 elevated grandstand seats will available along the parade route.

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Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, Colorado Boulevard, Pasadena. 8 a.m. Monday. Grandstand seats $40 to $85, sold at (626) 795-4171, (626) 440-9285 or www.lrbentertainment.com. General information: www.tournamentofroses.com