Locals Help Decorate Award-winning Entry

GRIDLEY, CA (MPG) - A grand old tradition since 1890, The Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena was back in action on January 1, 2022, bringing in the New Year. The Parade like so many other things was cancelled in January of 2021. With joy and excitement several Gridley Lions made the trip to Pasadena to participate in decorating the Lions International parade entry.  Lions from all over the nation signed up to work on decorating the float with flowers.  Representing Gridley were Gridley Lion President Don Daniels, Gridley Lion Treasurer Linda Presley, Gridley Lions First Vice President Mike Dahl and Gridley Lions and District 4-1C Vice Governor Mandi Daniels. 

Along with helping to decorate the float before the parade, volunteers were seated in one of the main viewing bleachers with a prime view of the Parade on January 1, 2022.  From this prime spot they watched the award-winning, Lions International float go by representing a sailing ship with the education wish of a Quest for Kindness.  As with all of the floats entered in the Parade it was entirely covered with flowers, flower pedals and other plant materials.  This colorful float won the Leishman Public Spirit Award for 2022.  This award goes to the float with “outstanding floral presentation for a non-commercial participant.” Before the Parade each float is judged on three criteria: Float Design, Floral Presentation, and Entertainment Value. There are many awards given in a vast array of categories with the ultimate winner getting the Sweepstakes Award. 

The 2022 Rose Parade Theme was “Dream. Believe. Achieve.” This theme was chosen to celebrate education’s ability to open doors, open minds and change lives. In line with this theme was the choice of LaVar Burton as Grand Marshall of the Parade. Mr. Burton, actor, children’s book author and advocate for reading and education has spent over 20 years encouraging education in many forms.