The Rose Parade is a Southern California tradition, but many will argue the only way to get the full parade experience is to camp out overnight for free front row seats.
To Freshman Rebekah Westgate, a prior spectator of the event, camping out for the parade has always been a remarkable opportunity for her.
“I think the whole parade is worthwhile if you are willing to camp out,” Westgate said. “It is a fun experience for everyone as well as a great way to spend time with friends and family.”
In comparison to watching the parade from the bleachers, camping out allows one to have more bonding time throughout the evening with family, friends and loved ones.
The ambiance of the event is an important aspect of sitting out on the street. Being surrounded by a loud atmosphere and cheering fans is much more significant in comparison to watching the fanfare through a television screen.
“If you watch it on television, you wouldn’t see everything that there is to see such as the people and details on the floats,” Westgate said. “You wouldn’t get the full experience of people yelling and cheering. I think it is very different and the atmosphere is much more exciting.”
While she does not plan on camping out for the coming year, Westgate feels that the experience has allowed her to gain meaningful and unforgettable memories, many of which continue to fuel her fondness of the Rose Parade. For those, like Westgate, who are interested in camping out for the parade, make sure that you are aware of the safety guidelines that have been set for this new year.
Starting with the 2018 Tournament of Roses Parade route, the Pasadena Police Department will be closing streets early in order to improve public safety measures and minimize traffic issues. For campers who are planning to set up early, Colorado Boulevard will be closing earlier this year for the staging of the Jan. 1 2018 Rose Parade. The street will begin closing at 10:00 P.M. on Dec. 31 until the conclusion of the staging and clean-up of the parade.
For campers, specific rules have been set in place by Pasadena Police, Fire and Health officials to address factors such as time and location. Overnight camping in only allowed the night of Sunday, Dec. 31 and tents, sofas and boxes that can be used seats are not allowed on the parade route. As a reminder, spectators should not leave chairs unoccupied because they will be removed from the parade route if found.
For those interested about parade regulations and rules that spectators must go to, www.tournamentofroses.com/parade-safety-guidelines includes additional details.
TCHS School Newspaper