PASADENA, Calif. – The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association has announced that it will be canceling the 2021 Rose Parade due to concerns over the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
“With reluctance and tremendous disappointment, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association announces that, in accordance with Gov. Newsom’s Phase IV re-opening schedule, and after thoughtful consideration of the restrictions and guidelines in place as a result of COVID-19, we are unable to host the 2021 Rose Parade,” read a statement released by the association.
“The health and well-being of our parade participants and guests, as well as that of our volunteer members, professional staff and partners, is our number one priority,” said Bob Miller, 2021 president of the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association. “Obviously this is not what any of us wanted, and we held off on announcing until we were absolutely sure that safety restrictions would prevent us from continuing with planning for 132nd Rose Parade.”
It’s only the fourth time since 1891 that the parade has been canceled, with the three previous cancellations occurring during the wartime years of 1942, 1943 and 1945.
Although the New Year’s Day tradition was technically still months away, planning for the elaborate floral floats that highlight the event — and arranging for the often international travel of participating marching bands and equestrian groups — is a nearly yearlong process, necessitating an early decision on whether to hold the event. Tournament of Roses officials noted that the state’s economic-reopening guidelines appear to be a long way off from permitting large public gatherings such as a parade.
David Eads, Tournament of Roses executive director/CEO, said planning is continuing for the Rose Bowl Game, but uncertainty still looms over the college football season.
“We continue to work with the College Football Playoff and our collegiate partners to explore what this year’s college football season will look like amidst COVID-19 and social distancing guidelines,” Eads said in a statement. “While the safety and well-being of the student athletes, university personnel and fans is our top priority, we remain hopeful that the `Granddaddy of Them All’ will take place on New Year’s Day.”
Pasadena Mayor Terry Tornek called the decision “extremely disappointing.”
City News Service contributed to this report.
