Beverly Hills to Participate in 2011 Rose Parade

After a 22-year absence, Beverly Hills has been invited to return to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in 2011. The newly formed Beverly Hills Tournament of Roses Committee was unanimously invited by City Council to submit an application on behalf of the whole community.

The Committee is comprised of Directors Robbie Anderson, Clif Smith (Publisher of The Courier), Brian Rosenstein (City Traffic Commissioner) and Beverly Hills’ infamous style maven, Fred Hayman. Tournament COO Bill Flinn notified the Committee of the invitation. Although Councilman John Mirisch came up with the idea,  all members of the Council are lending their support for returning to this world-famous event.

In the past, Beverly Hills has participated in the event winning four Sweepstakes trophies in the 1920’s and 1930’s. In 1989, the Pioneer’s Award for the romance of California went to Beverly Hills for their float entitled “A Celebration of Life,” which consisted of five animated dancing couples with the women in period gowns,  re-created by such designers as Bob Mackie.

The community’s past parade entries were mostly sponsored by Robbie Anderson’s family, founder of the Beverly Hills Hotel.

Drawing over 1,600,000,000 viewers in over 130 countries and all 50 states, The Rose Parade is the most viewed event of its kind in the world.  China entered the Tournament for the first time last year, broadcasting the event live to nearly 1 billion people there.

Jeffrey L. Throop is president of the 935-volunteer organization. This year’s theme is “Building Dreams, Friendships and Memories.”

The cost is approximately $250,000 and The Beverly Hills Tournament of Roses Committee is set to organize fundraiser and community participation and support to fund the float. Mayor Nancy Krasne has successfully recruited celebrities to participate in a fundraiser “bake sale”.

Anderson said that the goal “is to unify Beverly Hills, give all of us regardless of viewpoint something we can work together to achieve, and have fun doing it. “This is something we must do. We had great success with our ‘Giorgio’ float and it is time to go back,” said Fred Hayman.

The Committee is looking forward to having all segments of the Beverly Hills community join in the effort. Their intention is to enter a float every year at least through 2014 which coincides with the City’s 100th anniversary.

Have you ever been to Pasadena to watch the Rose Parade live, or would you rather watch it on TV? Please share your thoughts. I would love to hear from you!

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