Disabled are part of Rose Bowl Parade Glue Crew - Brief Article

Accent on Living, Winter, 2000 by Donna Goodenough

Is there anyone who hasn't watched the Tournament of Roses Parade on television at least once? For millions of us it's a New Year's Day tradition. Shown before a global audience and broadcast in more than a dozen languages (including sign language with closed captions) the parade is Pasadena's greeting card to the world. But an event of this magnitude doesn't happen easily; it takes all year and thousands of volunteers are needed to decorate the floats. Have you ever wanted to join in the fun? Anyone 13 or older can participate and that includes those of us with disabilities. (The only disability that keeps you out is being allergic to glue or flowersl) If you can use a pair of scissors or squirt glue out of a bottle, the Rose Parade needs your help! "People with disabilities are a vital part of decorating. We love em," says Richard Gast, general chairman of the Lutheran Hour float. There's a job for everyone."

In my seven years of decorating, I have met many volunteers with all kinds of disabilities -- even blind people -- who say it's the most memorable, exciting and fun thing they've ever participated in. Wheelchair-riders usually work in the 'prep' areas next to the floats, where vegetation is stripped, cut, blended, torn, crushed, coated with glue and put in viles It's then arranged in flat boxes and passed to the 'runners' who hand the boxes up to people on the floats. Anyone who shows up will be put to good use. Everything must be 'prepared' and these jobs can easily be done from your wheelchair!

To get an idea of how decorating works, remember dry decorating begins right after Thanksgiving. During this time you will see the 'skeleton' of the floats. Anything from a Mac truck to an ATV is hidden under an enormous steel frame and miles of chicken wire that is cut & shaped to create what we see on New Year's morning. A layer of paper mache covers the chicken wire and is painted with corresponding colors of the flowers or seeds that go in that particular area.

During 'dry days' you get to see exactly how the floats are built.

The day after Christmas the action takes on a new urgency when tons of live greenery begins arriving from all over the world. The nights of December 29, 30 & 31 bustles with celebrities and television crews eager to film people creating the floats -- often one petal at a time. During these last remaining days marching bands in full uniform can be heard and seen practicing in the streets, which makes the whole atmosphere electrifying!

Come prepared

As fun as it is, decorating is messy and glue is the major culprit. The only way to get glue out of clothes and hair is to cut it out, so wear old clothes and keep your hair under a scarf. Even though Pasadena has mild weather, prepare for the unexpected and dress in warm layers, especially at night.

'Dry' shifts last 6 hours; 'floral' shifts last 8 and all have a meal break. Some groups provide boxed meals for their volunteers. A catering truck is outside too, so you won't go hungry. Toilets are wheelchair accessible Porta-potties. Additional information will be mailed to you when you sign up to decorate, but don't delay! Assignments are made on first come first served basis. A memorable experience awaits all those who participate, so what are you waiting for?

Turn it into a vacation

While you're here, why not visit some of our other world renowned sites?

Disneyland, Knotts berry Farm, Sea World, Universal Studios, Norton-Simon Museum and the Huntington Library are all nearby and wheelchair accessible. Not only that, but Pasadena and surrounding communities have excellent hotels and restaurants equipped to handle your special needs.

Seeing it live

Of course you'll want to stay and see your float come down Colorado Boulevard on New Year's morning. There are three areas along the parade route designated for people with disabilities. Robert Gorski, the accessibility Coordinator, (who is in a wheelchair himself) will send you information about how to get free seating and tickets for up to five of your friends. Tip: Always choose to sit on the south side of the street, that way the sun is not shining in your eyes and all the floats are looking in your direction.

For the Bowl game, accessible seating is available for those using wheelchairs, walkers etc. or who are accompanied by a service animal. East side concourse tunnels 11 and 28 and west side concourse tunnels 12-22 are wheelchair accessible. You must state your accessibility requirement to the ticket source. One companion ticket may be purchased for a seat next to each accessible seat.