Sports

Rose Parade Floats Dominate the 2009 Tournament of Roses Parade

by Jon Azpiri | January 1, 2009 at 11:33 am

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Thousands gathered in Pasadena to watch the 120th Annual Rose Parade. This year's theme was "Hats Off to Entertainment", a tribute to Hollywood. The grand marshall of the parade was 82-year-old actress Cloris Leachman. While Leachman served as grand marshal, 17-year-old Courtney Chou Lee was named the Rose Bowl Queen. In addition, the parade featured 46 floats, 22 marching bands, and 18 equestrian units.

The floats were adorned with more than 18 million flowers. Parade organizers announced a list of 2009 Rose Parade winners. Here is a truncated winners list:

-- Sweepstakes Trophy for most-beautiful entry with outstanding floral use, "Entertaining Expedition," Rain Bird Corp. and Fiesta Parade Floats.

-- Lathrop K. Leishman Trophy for the most-beautiful non-commercial float, "Bollywood Dreams," made by volunteers in the City of Sierra Madre.

-- Grand Marshal's Trophy for excellence in creative concept, "Camelot - - A Knight's

Tale," made by volunteers in the City of Sierra Madre.

-- President's Trophy for most-effective floral use, "Believe in Music," NAMM, The

International Music Products Association, Studio Concepts floats.

-- Director's Trophy for outstanding artistic merit in design, "Hope Grows," Vera Bradley and Festival Artists floats.

-- Queen's Trophy for most-effective use and display of roses, "Donate Life," Stars of Life and Phoenix Decorating Co.

-- Mayor's Trophy for most outstanding city, "Surf City USA," City of Huntington Beach and Festival Artists.

-- Theme Trophy for excellence in presenting parade theme, "Hats Off In Celebration,"