2026 Rotary Rose Parade Committee Float Theme: Unite For Good
Every year, the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee has a viewing audience of over 41 million households in the United States and 28 million households around the world in more than 243 countries/ territories - Rotary's biggest Public Image event every year . The Tournament estimates that more than 700,000 are present live on the parade route, over 22,000 view the floats as they are decorated; and almost 122,000 view the post-parade floats. That's what we call boosting Rotary's public image . Tune into KTLA for the best coverage of the Parade and see the 2026 Rotary Rose Parade Float on January 1, 2026 as early as 10 am (Toronto Time). Read more for the rest of the story ......
Does Rotary International pay for the float?
Rotarians, Clubs and Districts in the United States and Canada donate the majority of the money to pay for the float. The Rotary Rose parade Float Committee also receives monies from corporate sponsors and individual sponsors which varies from year to year. Rotary International paid in 2026 for 2 rider positions the same amount as other riders and will do so again in 2026. The current Budget for the 2026 Float is $165,655.00. With an audience of over 71 million, including live audience and pre and post live viewing and television and streaming broadcasts that amounts to about .2 cents per viewer. Even if only the live viewers are counted the cost per viewer is $.20 cents per viewer.
Why do we enter a float in the Rose Parade?
Paul Harris said, “In the promotion of Rotary, it is important to reach large numbers and you cannot reach them privately.” Statistics have proven that when Rotary International and/or the Rotary Foundation creates public relations events and promotes Rotary membership increases as well as general knowledge of Rotary. By supporting the Float you can assist in a public relations effort to do BOTH ! When Rotary International’s directors approved the first entry in the parade over 41 years ago, they saw in it an unrivaled opportunity to bring Rotary’s name into public view. They reasoned that an eye-catching float would capture the interest of network commentators and remind the world, of Rotary’s good works. And so it has ! Last year the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee had a viewing audience of 41 million households in the United States and 28 million households around the world in more than 243 countries/ territories (2017 Tournament Statistics). The Tournament estimates that more than 700,000 are present live on the parade route, over 22,000 view the floats as they are decorated; and almost 122,000 view the post-parade floats. For the 38th consecutive year the Committee again proudly presents its float to North America and the world. And each year, more clubs enthusiastically contribute financial support to this most important Rotary public relations project.
When did the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee first enter a float in the Rose Parade?
While watching the 1979 Pasadena Rose Parade on Television, Jack Gilbert, who was President of the Wilshire Rotary Club, in Los Angeles, California, and subsequently chairman of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, had an idea. Rotary would be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 1980. Jack believed that by entering a float in the 1980 New Year’s Day Rose Parade, Rotary could communicate its message, “Service Above Self” to millions of people worldwide. Jack shared his vision with other Rotarians, who supported the idea. Seven Governors in Southern California agreed to underwrite the cost of the float and make up any shortfall not covered by Club contributions. Fortunately, the Clubs contributed $35,000 which covered the full cost of the original float. This first Tournament of Roses experience lead to the formation of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee which now receives contributions each year from approximately 8 Rotary Districts and an additional 700 Individual Rotary Clubs to fund the float. The Committee has entered a float every year since 1980. See the History page for pictures and descriptions of previous floats.
Donate / Contribute / Get Involved: The Rotary Rose Parade Float, made possible solely by contributions, is an annual project that serves as Rotary International’s largest Public Image campaign—seen by millions each New Year’s Day during the world-renowned Rose Parade in Pasadena, California. Many Rotary clubs support this legacy, helping to share Rotary’s mission and global visibility. There are several ways to get involved or offer support: https://www.rotaryfloat.org/get-involved/
You Can Dedicate a Rose: Help us build the float by dedicating a single rose in your loved ones name. In honor of your loved one we’ll list their name here on our website. see: https://www.rotaryfloat.org/dedicate-a-rose-ii/
How are the contributions used?
Approximately 64% of the money raised goes to costs directly into building, decorating and entering the float in the parade. The balance of the funds raised pay for business, banking, insurance and other miscellaneous costs related to the float and hosting the RI President while attending the parade and other related activities. None of the money raised for float construction is spent on professional staff or committee perks.
Why do we enter a float in the Rose Parade?
In 1935, Paul Harris said, “In the promotion of Rotary, it is important to reach large numbers and you cannot reach them privately.” Statistics have proven that when Rotary International and/or the Rotary Foundation creates public relations events and promotes Rotary membership increases as well as general knowledge of Rotary. By supporting the Float you can assist in a public relations effort to do BOTH!
When Rotary International’s directors approved the first entry in the parade over 46 years ago, they saw in it an unrivaled opportunity to bring Rotary’s name into public view. They reasoned that an eye-catching float would capture the interest of network commentators and remind the world, of Rotary’s good works. And so it has! Last year the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee had a viewing audience of 41 million households in the United States and 28 million households around the world in more than 243 countries/ territories .The Tournament estimates that more than 700,000 are present live on the parade route, over 22,000 view the floats as they are decorated; and almost 122,000 view the post-parade floats.
For the 46th consecutive year, the Committee again proudly presents its float to North America and the world. And each year, more clubs enthusiastically contribute financial support to this most important Rotary public relations project.
For the complete history , back to 1923, go to: https://www.rotaryfloat.org/history/
Nearly 70 million households see the Rose Parade.
The Rose Parade is seen by an estimated U.S. audience of almost 37 million households and an estimated international audience of 28 million households in over 243 territories. (2017 Tournament Statistics). The Pasadena Police Department estimates that approximately 700,000 spectators view the Rose Parade in person. Another 89,000 visit the Parade Float Decorating Sites and/or the Post Parade Float Viewing Area where the floats are on display for two days.
Where can I get information about the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game?
Visit the Tournament of Roses website: www.tournamentofroses.com . The 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda and 111th Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential will return on January 1, 2025 starting at 8AM PST
When did the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee first enter a float in the Rose Parade?
While watching the 1979 Pasadena Rose Parade on Television, Jack Gilbert, who was President of the Wilshire Rotary Club, in Los Angeles, California, and subsequently chairman of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, had an idea. Rotary would be celebrating its 75th Anniversary in 1980. Jack believed that by entering a float in the 1980 New Year’s Day Rose Parade, Rotary could communicate its message, “Service Above Self” to millions of people worldwide. Jack shared his vision with other Rotarians, who supported the idea. Seven Governors in Southern California agreed to underwrite the cost of the float and make up any shortfall not covered by Club contributions. Fortunately, the Clubs contributed $35,000 which covered the full cost of the original float.
This first Tournament of Roses experience lead to the formation of the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee which now receives contributions each year from approximately 8 Rotary Districts and an additional 700 Individual Rotary Clubs to fund the float. The Committee has entered a float every year since 1980. See the History page for pictures and descriptions of previous floats.
Message from the Chair - Larry Skaggs , 2026 Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee
I am extremely proud to have been selected as the Chair of the committee for this year’s float. Our group of Rotarians, volunteers, and community supporters have already begun the initial work of creating an awe-inspiring float that embodies Rotary’s core values. This year-long endeavor involves countless hours of planning, fund-raising, organizing, and promotion, plus more than 6,400 volunteer hours decorating our float.
The theme for the 2026 Tournament of Roses® parade is “The Magic in Teamwork.” Our float design is “still on the drawing board.” But stay tuned… we will announce our 2026 theme shortly. I can’t tell you any more right now, but it will be BIGGER and more BEAUTIFUL than ever…
Rotary’s founder, Paul Harris stated, “In the promotion of Rotary, it is important to reach large numbers of people, and you cannot do that privately.” The Tournament of Roses® parade provides an incredible opportunity for us to share our message of “Service Above Self” with millions of viewers around the world. We believe in the power of action and the strength provided by our global network. Through this float, we aim to showcase the transformative impact of Rotary, both locally and around the world.
Whether you are a member of the Rotary family, a potential sponsor, a media representative, or simply an enthusiast of the Tournament of Roses® parade and its cherished traditions, we thank you for joining us on this exciting journey. We encourage you to stay connected with us through our website and also follow us on social media, where you will find a wealth of information about both Rotary and our float, it’s design, and the incredible individuals involved in bringing it to life. Discover the history of Rotary’s participation in the parade, learn about the vital causes Rotary supports, and find out how you can get involved.
As we begin our 46th year, we are excited to be recognized as the largest public image project promoting Rotary to the world. On behalf of the entire Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, we look forward to sharing the beauty, inspiration, and impact of our float with the world in 2026.
Let’s all discover the “magic in teamwork,” as we work together to make a difference in the world.
Thanks…
Larry Skaggs
Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee, Inc.
P.O. Box 92502
Pasadena, CA 91109-2502
Chair@rotaryfloat.org
Rotary Presidential Message ‘Unite for Good”
Tournament of Roses Theme “The Magic in Teamwork”
Our 2026 Rose Parade float bursts with color and energy, celebrating the beauty of teamwork in nature — and in service to others. Set in a lush, dreamlike landscape, the Float showcases a diverse gathering of iconic wildlife working in harmony, just as Rotarians unite for good across borders and around the world to create lasting change.
Towering giraffes, playful zebras, and a curious hippo gather beneath blooming trees of brilliant pink and orange. A vibrant toucan peeks from the treetops, while a green snake winds gently along a branch. Nearby, a flamingo surveys the scene, adding elegance and balance to the habitat. Toward the front, a proud tiger watches over her two cubs — a reminder of both strength and nurturing.
Every element, from the cascading floral canopies to the dynamic animal poses, represents the strength found in community, diversity, and collective purpose.
This year’s float reminds us that when we come together, whether in the wild or the world of service, there is Magic in Teamwork.