Rosy tradition marches on in Pasadena

131st Rose Parade features amazing sights and scents

PASADENA, Calif. (KYMA, KSWT, KECY) - The 131st Rose Parade once again delighted the senses of those who lined the streets of Pasadena, as well as those who watched the New Year's tradition on television.

This year's floats did not disappoint. Per the parades rules, every inch of every entry was covered with flowers, leaves, or seeds. The natural materials made the floats smell as lovely as they looked.

This year's Sweepstakes Trophy, for the most beautiful entry, went to the UPS Store for its "Stories Change Our World" float. UPS also took the honor last year.

The "Dodo Bird Flight School" earned the Bob Hope Humor Award for most whimsical and amusing float. It was created by the La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association.

The Burbank Tournament of Roses Association remembered this summer's tragic wildfires with a float titled "Rise Up." It shows a mythical phoenix bird rising from the ashes. The float won the Leishman Public Spirit trophy for the most outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial participant.

Chipotle won the Grand Marshal Trophy for the most outstanding creative concept and float design. It's theme - "Cultivate the Future of Farming" was also a fundraiser. All New Year's Day, for every tweet using the hashtag "Farmer," the Chipotle Cultivate Foundation will donate one dollar to the National Young Farmers Coalition. The foundation plans to give the group as much as $250-thousand.

This year Rose Parade organizers paid tribute to strong Latinas with its choice of Grand Marshals. They included actress-singer-dancer Rita Moreno, Olympic gold and silver gymnastic medalist Laurie Hernandez, and Gina Torres. Torres is the first Afro-Latina actress to create, produce, and star in her own show.