Dec 31, 2007 10:07 pm US/Pacific
Rose Parade Boasts Sunshine, Peaceful Crowd
PASADENA (CBS) ―
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Every year, the parade boasts huge, colorful floats that capture the attention of a world-wide audience.
AP
The 119th annual Tournament of Roses Parade got off on time Tuesday, and with no disruption as tens of thousands of happy persons discovered balmy temperatures and good times on the streets of Pasadena.
Santa Ana winds may have been howling in the nearby mountains, but were reduced to mere warm breezes along Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards as the parade kicked off with Boy Scouts from around the world holding flags from other nations and states.
That colorful presentation set the theme for this year's parade, "Passport to the World's Celebrations."
A few anti-war protestors held signs, but Pasadena police reported no protest-related arrests in the hours leading up to the 8 a.m. kickoff.
There were, however, some good-natured chants traded back and forth in the stands between fans of the two football teams -- U.S.C. and Illinois -- getting ready for the afternoon kickoff.
But no protestors were evident as the controversial Beijing Olympics float passed by the television cameras and main grandstand at the corner of Orange Grove and Colorado boulevards at about 9:15 a.m. Fireworks exploded, jugglers twirled spinning orbs, and dancers performed exotic moves.
The China float was under extra police protection to ensure that no one tries to stop it from being in the parade, said Commander Paul Gales of the Pasadena Police Department.
And although an anti-Iraq War banner protest was planned by activists as the Port of Los Angeles float steamed down the boulevard, none appeared.
Heavy security was evident along the parade route, with spectators entering grandstands queued up in blocks-long lines to pass security checkpoints.
After the parade, antiwar activist Cindy Sheehan was expected to participate in a march down Colorado Boulevard to Pasadena City Hall.
The parade has not seen protests since 1992, when Native American groups criticized the organization's choice of a descendent of Christopher Columbus for grand marshal. However, two demonstrations were expected for the ground and one for the air.
There were a pair of firsts in Tuesday's parade.
The Los Angeles Dodgers had their first float, which is being entered in connection with the team's yearlong celebration of its 50th anniversary in Los Angeles. Former manager Tommy Lasorda, longtime announcers Vin Scully and Jaime Jarrin, and reminders of past greatness such as Wes Parker, Carl Erskine, Don Newcombe, Steve Garvey and Fernando Valenzuela were aboard the float.
Dodger Stadium was the backdrop of the float, which included a 35-foot tall Dodger player coming out of a grand slam swing, while fans cheerfrom the bleachers. A Dodger institution, organist Nancy Bea Hefley played game day tunes from atop the float.
The Dodger float will be the 50th in the parade's march of order, also coinciding with the team's 50th anniversary in Los Angeles. Hockey's Stanley Cup will make its Rose Parade debut on the Anaheim float.
According to the Tournament of Roses Association, the first parade was staged in 1890 by members of Pasadena's Valley Hunt Club -- former residents of the East and Midwest eager to showcase the Southland's mild winter weather.
(© 2009 CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The Associated Press contributed to this report.)
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