Molly Shore
When the last scrap of Christmas gift wrap and ribbon has been
tossed into the trash bin, children's dreams, wishes and imagination
will live on in the 2003 Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade.
Contributing to the morning magic of the New Year's Day
extravaganza is "Bath-time Friends," Burbank's whimsical float
depicting a young boy in a bathtub surrounded by friendly deep-sea
creatures.
Volunteers are busy preparing the colorful float for its two-hour
journey along Colorado Boulevard on Wednesday morning.
On Thursday, volunteers applied dry materials like ground yellow
peas, cornmeal, millet seed and cornhusk, said Peg Kovar, Burbank
Tournament of Roses vice-president of administration. Live flowers
will be applied Monday and Tuesday.
A core group of about 20 volunteers has worked on the float three
days a week for several months, Kovar said.
Kelvin Reece moved to Burbank from Kansas and has been a volunteer
since 1998.
"I do it year after year," Reece said. "Back in Kansas, a big
highlight of our holiday season was watching the Tournament of Roses
Parade. Being here, I just love being a part of the magic."
The group welcomes new volunteers today and Sunday, float
vice-president Steven Edward said. Volunteers should wear old
clothing and closed-toe shoes.
To volunteer, go to the float barn at the Burbank Water & Power
yard, 320 N. Lake St.
No new volunteers are needed Monday and Tuesday because tournament
officials will be at the barn to judge the float, Edward said.
After the parade, the float will be on display in Pasadena's
Victory Park, 2575 Paloma St. until Thursday. That night, it will be
towed back to town and put on display through Jan. 5 at George Izay
Park, 1111 W. Olive Ave.
A deconstruction party is planned for Jan. 11. Edward said the
community is invited to help dismantle the float.
