Danielle and I attended the 2013 WBCCI Rose Parade Rally (Tournament of Roses Parade Rally?) and had a wonderful time. For us this was a bucket list event but we will certainly consider attending again in the future.
Region 12 members and other volunteers have this rally organized very well. Parking, food, parties - it was all great! I urge you to consider attending this rally.
One of the attendees mentioned that anyone (and I mean anyone) can help build one of several floats for the parade. In Rose Parade lingo these are the "self-built" floats. But don't think self-built means anything less than fantastic! We spent a few hours working on the Sierra Madre float and thoroughly enjoyed our time with that group. Here's a couple of YouTube clips for the Sierra Madre entry:
To help with the Sierra Madre float you simply show up at the build barn off Sierra Madre Boulevard and sign a volunteer waiver. After that you can come and go and help when time permits.
Other comments about the rally:
This is a great location - just a few blocks from the parade route and just a few miles from many major things to do/see while you're in Pasadena.
The parade is not the only event associated with the Parade. 1) There is a band fest at the local football stadium (not the Rose Bowl). The band fest was three separate time slots (you choose one or more to attend). I highly recommend band fest. 2) Float building - this is a self-paced tour of several professional float building barns. Be prepared for crowds! 3) Equestrian events - this is a competition of equestrian parade entries. Similar to band fest but with horses. 4) Post parade float viewing - great for seeing the floats up close after the parade. Once again, be prepared for crowds.
I cannot say enough about the parade and rally. This is truly a great experience! Be sure to work on a float - it makes the experience so much more meaningful.
Lucius