Star Wars Spectacular (#31-32-33)
As the Star Wars saga prepares to celebrate its 30th anniversary in 2007 (the first movie opened in the U.S. on May 25, 1977), the "Star Wars Spectacular" pays tribute to the most famous intergalactic adventure in movie history. A one-of-a-kind assembly of Star Wars stormtroopers, a marching band and two elaborate floats represent the scope of the Star Wars galaxy. The first float depicts the Forest Moon of Endor. Riding the float are four Ewoks, the fierce-yet-cuddly residents of the Forest Moon who helped defeat the Empire in the 1983 blockbuster Star Wars: Episode III Return of the Jedi. With a banner that seeks to "Save Our Forest," the Ewoks call attention to this year's Rose Parade theme of "Our Good Nature."
The world-famed Grambling State University Marching Tigers, under the direction of Dr. Larry Pannell, follows the Ewok float. Led by a Jedi Knight drum leader, eight Twi'lek dancers and eight Twi'lek flag bearers, 176 band members in Imperial Officer uniforms play new arrangements of the classic music by John Williams.
The band is followed by the 501st Legion of Stormtroopers, who are among the epic adventure's most ardent enthusiasts. The 501st engages in charitable activities while displaying their love of Star Wars through handmade, exacting costume replicas. Led by Darth Vader himself, these 200 members of the 501st – the broadest gathering ever – showcase flags of the 36 states and 22 nations that make up this remarkable marching group.
The second float shows the peaceful garden planet of Naboo, an idyll of serenity. Its decorative architecture expresses the planet's philosophy of arts and a harmonious way of life. Its capital city, Theed, is depicted on this stunning float that concludes the "Star Wars Spectacular." Riding on the float are three Queens of Naboo wearing their ceremonial attire, along with two Jedi protectors. The float includes five waterfalls and a majestic castle with blue roof domes.
Banuelos Charro Team (#34)
Marshal: Ramon Banuelos
The Banuelos Charro Team has 13 members from southern California, riding American quarterhorses. The team began in 1995 when it joined the Association of Charros in southern California. The team participates in competitions around southern California and has performed in the Hollywood Christmas Parade, East L.A. Parade and Route 66 Parade. They have also volunteered with L.A. County Parks and Recreation and were part of the Cinco de Mayo celebrations.
When they're not competing, they like to give back to the community and take their horses to elementary schools and nonprofit organizations that care for children. The children really enjoy the performance and get a chance to ride a horse and have their pictures taken on the horses. The mission of the team is to promote the Mexican Charreria, a festive event that incorporates equestrian competitions, and to educate children on the foundation of respect for themselves, their elders and animals.
Western Asset (#35)
Float Theme: A Universe of Opportunity
Western Asset graphically illustrates that nature offers "A Universe of Opportunity" with a 50-foot-tall cosmos of colorful planets and technology surrounding Mother Earth. A communications dish is seen scanning the universe, gathering and dispensing information. Western Asset, which has offices in downtown Pasadena on the Rose Parade route as well as facilities around the world, is celebrating its first year of Tournament of Roses participation.
The satellite dish at the front of the float scans the universe for input as the float traverses the parade route; the float is over height and will hydraulically fold down to a height of 17.5 feet to fit beneath the 210 Freeway near the end of the parade route.
Mayor of Pasadena (#36)
Proudly representing the city of Pasadena in the 2007 Rose Parade, mayor Bill Bogaard and his wife, Claire, ride down Colorado Boulevard in a four-cylinder, 60-horsepower, 1907 Thomas Flyer owned by the Gooding Family. Built in Buffalo, N.Y., and originally purchased for $4,000, this beautiful vintage car celebrates its 100th birthday in 2007. The Goodings are proud to be only the fourth owners of this unique vehicle. Making its second Rose Parade appearance, this Thomas Flyer was also used in the 1988 Parade to transport Tournament of Roses president Harriman L. Cronk.
Oklahoma Centennial (#37)
Float Theme: A Unique History
Celebrating its 100th anniversary of statehood, Oklahoma shares its history with depictions of a gigantic Native American chief's headdress (more American Indian tribes are located there than anywhere in the U.S.), flowing waters (the state has more miles of water shoreline than the east and west coasts combined), a lasso-twirling cowboy (could that be Oklahoma native Will Rogers?), a huge American bison, an oil well, cowboy boots with the Centennial logo and a grove of Redbuds (the state tree). The 70-foot-long float is pulled by an eight-horse team of black and white Express Clydesdales.
The surrey with a fringe on top at the front is made of rice, strawflower and carnation petals. The headdress features everlasting, black seaweed, pampas grass, chrysanthemums, pinto beans and split peas. The cowboy's boots are adorned with flaxseed, statice and rice, with silverleaf buckles. And the oil well gushes with rice, silverleaf and seaweed.
