‘Backyard Rocketeer’ lifts off to success at Rose Parade
The La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association float “Backyard Rocketeer,” winner of the Bob Hope Humor Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
In a repetition of last year’s glory, members of the all-volunteer La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Assn. were rewarded for their efforts Monday when their 2017 creation for the Rose Parade, “Backyard Rocketeer,” won the Bob Hope Humor Trophy.
The float depicted a boy and his dog flying in a home-built rocket ship made out of items from his backyard. The logos for Jet Propulsion Laboratory and NASA graced the side and tail fin of the space vessel.
“We went to NASA and JPL and asked them if we could use their logos,” said Chuck Terhune, president of the La Cañada organization. “They said it was OK and to get ready for takeoff. We were delighted.”
The La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association float “Backyard Rocketeer,” winner of the Bob Hope Humor Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association float “Backyard Rocketeer,” winner of the Bob Hope Humor Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The City of Burbank float “Home Tweet Home” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Donate Life float “Teammates for Life,” the Theme Trophy winner in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The color guard of the Westlake High School Chaparral Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Doal Packaged Foods float “Spirit of Hawaii,” winner of the Sweepstakes Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The 24 Hour Fitness float “Do More with Your 24” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Trader Joe’s float “All Aboard! 50 Years of Serving the Best...” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The American Armenian Rose Float Association float “Field of Dreams” which won the Past Presidents Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The American Armenian Rose Float Association float “Field of Dreams” which won the Past Presidents Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Performer Ilisa Juried sings on the Union Bank and The American Heart Association, Western States Affiliate float “Keep the Beat Alive” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Audience members in the stands on the corner of Orange Grove Blvd. and Colorado Blvd. at the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Pride of Broken Arrow marching band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Riders with the Victorian Roses Ladies Riding Society in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Riders in the Norco Cowgirls & the LIttle Miss Norco Cowgirls Rodeo Drill Team in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Westlake High School Chaparral Band performs in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Riders in a Wells Fargo Stagecoach in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The United States Marine Corps West Coast Composite Band drum major salutes the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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At 8:04 A.M., a B-2 Bomber, which has been a tradition to kick off the parade, flys over right on schedule in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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At 8:04 A.M., a B-2 Bomber, which has been a tradition to kick off the parade, flys over right on schedule in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Young women in the opening show walk together in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Team USA volleyball players play on the City of Los Angeles “Follow the Sun” float in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The National Hockey League float “A Century of NHL Greatness” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Grand Marshal Janet Evans and her family wave to the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Grand Marshal Allyson Felix waves to the auidence in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Grand Marshal Greg Louganis and his husband Johhny Chaillot wave to the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Tournament of Roses Royal Court in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The 2017 Rose Queen Victoria Castellanos waves to the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Rose Bowl Hall of Fame inductees Bobby Bell, Ricky Ervins, Tommy Prothro, and Art Spander, and a driver, drive a 1925 Lincoln Dual Cowl Sports Phaeton, which is smoking with engine problems, make their way passed the stands at Orange Grove Blvd. and Colorado Blvd. in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A cheerleader from Penn State in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Butterflies from teh Miracle-Gro “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A dancer with the Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Pasadena City College Tournament of Roses Honor Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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USC cheerleaders in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A big face, surrounded by bubbles on the Northwestern Mutual float “Waves of Hope,” winner of the Animation Trophy in the in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Tournament of Roses Executive Director/CEO William B. Flinn and family wave to the audience in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A lariat roper twirls a rope around himself in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Arcadia High School Apache Marching Band and Color Guard in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Midway through the Rose Parade, The UPS Store, Inc. float “Books Bring Us Together,” winner of the Isabella Coleman Trophy, leads the group in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Lucy Pet float “Lucy Pet’s Gnarly Crankin’ K-9 Wave Maker,” winner of the Extraordinaire Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Surfing dogs on the Lucy Pet float “Lucy Pet’s Gnarly Crankin’ K-9 Wave Maker,” winner of the Extraordinaire Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Brass players in the Gifu Shogyo Hugh School Green Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Gifu Shogyo High School Green Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Shriners Hospitals for Children float “Anything is Possible” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Leopards in a tree on The Bachelor float “Echoes of Love” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Ooltewah High School Marching Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The back half of the parade, lead by a huge team of horses pulling Tournament of Roses President Brad Ratliff and company in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The back of the La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association float “Backyard Rocketeer,” winner of the Bob Hope Humor Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Red Raider Marching Band of Pulaski, Wisconsin march and play in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A mouse spins on a tea cup on the Sierra Madre Float Association float “The Cat’s Away,” winner of the Mayor’s Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A huge lion head on the Lions Clubs International float “Celebrating 100 Years of Service” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A bird on the Ragú Pasta Sauce float “Simmered in Tradition,” winner of the National Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Bands of America Honor Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A fireman on the City of Alhambra float “No Call Too Small” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Budweiser Clydesdales in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A dragon blowing smoke out it’s nose on the Torrance Rose Float Association float “Be Your Own Knight,” winner of the Tournament Volunteers Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Birds on the China Airlines float “Return to the Beauty of Taiwan,” winner of the International Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Women witn fans on the China Airlines float “Return to the Beauty of Taiwan,” winner of the International Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A pilot on a miniture fighter jet following the United States Air Force Total Force Band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Farmers Insurance float “We Came, We Saw, We Covered,” winner of the Grand Marshal’s Trophy in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A sleeping rabbit on the South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association float “Never Give Up” in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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A couple riders with The New Buffalo Soldiers in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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Tigers on the Western Asset Management Company float “Prosperity in the Wild,” winner of the Directors’ Trophy, in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The Santa Clara Vanguard marching band in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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At the back of the parade, with only the Kern County Sheriff’s Mounted Posse behind them, the Santa Clara Vanguard marching band begins their trek down Colorado Blvd. in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
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The back end of the Rose Parade in the horizon is followed by protesters and departing audience members in the 128th Rose Parade on Monday, January 2, 2017. The parade theme “Echoes of Success” presented 96 entries with 42 floats, 22 bands, and 19 equestrian.
(Tim Berger / Staff Photographer)
Terhune said more than 400 volunteers helped put together and decorate this year’s float. He said he believes that they would not have won without the support of La Cañada residents.
“The spirit of the Rose Parade is about the communities,” Terhune said. “They like seeing the local community support.”
The association’s 2016 effort, “Up a Creek,” won the same trophy for the “most comical and amusing entry.” In fact, since its inception in 1978, La Cañada’s float association has claimed 28 awards in various categories, a feat that neatly dovetails with “Echoes of Success,” the theme selected for this year’s Rose Parade by La Cañada Flintridge resident Brad Ratliff.
Ratliff, who joined the Pasadena Tournament of Roses in 1988, served as its 2016-17 president and announced the parade theme last January, encouraging participants to consider the importance of people coming together and helping others.
As president, Ratliff and his extended family made their appearances on two large, mule-drawn Montana-built wagons that preceded the La Cañada Flintridge float along Pasadena’s famed Colorado Boulevard this week.
Another La Cañadan who along with Ratliff enjoyed a long day in the spotlight was Rose Princess Natalie Petrossian, an 18-year-old senior at La Cañada High School who was named to the Royal Court last October. Garbed in a deep blue gown, long white gloves and carrying a spray of red roses, Petrossian rode aboard the court’s float Monday along with Rose Queen Victoria Castellanos and Princesses Maya Khan, Audrey Cameron, Autumn Lundy, Lauren Powers and Shannon Larsuel, all of whom attend other Pasadena-area high schools.
After the parade, Ratliff and the Royal Court presided over the 103rd Rose Bowl, a thrilling game that saw the USC Trojans — in the final seconds of a contest that appeared to be heading to overtime — secure with a field goal to claim a 52-49 win over the Penn State Nittany Lions.
