The Pasadena Tournament of Roses awarded the prestigious 2025 Sweepstakes Award for the most beautiful entry to Cal Poly Universities early Thursday. This marks a significant achievement, as it is the first time Cal Poly has received this honor, and the seventh time an entirely self-built float has won the coveted trophy.
In total, the Tournament recognized 23 floats across various categories, celebrating excellence in design, creativity, and floral presentation. The awards reflect the diverse themes and artistic capabilities of the participating organizations.
Categories and Winners
The recognized floats included notable entries in several categories, highlighting the creativity and effort of the participants. The winners, listed alphabetically, include:
– **Americana**: Most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions – South Dakota (AES)
– **Animation**: Most outstanding use of animation – Kindness is Free, powered by Boys & Girls Clubs of WSGV&E (AES)
– **Bob Hope Humor**: Most whimsical and amusing float – City of Alhambra (Phoenix)
– **Crown City Innovator**: Most outstanding use of imagination, innovation, and technology – Shrinking, Apple TV, and Warner Bros. Television (Phoenix)
– **Extraordinaire**: Most extraordinary float – San Francisco Travel Association (Fiesta)
– **Fantasy**: Most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination – Rising Together (AES)
– **Golden State**: Most outstanding depiction of life in California – Odd Fellows & Rebekahs (Phoenix)
– **Grand Marshal**: Most outstanding creative concept and float design – San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance (AES)
– **Showmanship**: Most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment – Shriner Children’s (Phoenix)
– **Theme**: Most outstanding presentation of the Rose Parade Theme – City of Burbank (Self)
The Sweepstakes Award is particularly significant as it encompasses float design, floral presentation, and entertainment, making it the most sought-after accolade each year.
Meet the Judges
The panel of judges for this year’s floats included notable figures from the design and horticulture fields: Cathy Hillen-Rulloda, Doris Hardoon, and Chaz Perea. Each judge brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the table, ensuring a thorough evaluation of the floats.
Hillen-Rulloda, a certified floral judge and instructor at the Southern California School of Floral Design, has earned accolades for her designs, including recognition during the 1984 Olympic Games. Hardoon previously served as executive creative director for major developments such as the Shanghai Disney Resort. Perea, who manages the landscape at Dodger Stadium, also teaches horticulture at Mt. San Antonio College and has transformed the stadium grounds into the first U.S. sports arena accredited as a botanic garden.
The collaborative efforts of these judges reflect the high standards upheld by the Tournament of Roses, contributing to the event’s long-standing tradition of excellence.
As the celebrations for the Rose Parade continue, the recognition given to Cal Poly Universities and the other award winners highlights the creativity and dedication that define this iconic event.