UPDATE: The Tournament of Roses Parade is set to take place on January 1, 2025, as the community of Pasadena rallies together following the devastating Eaton and Palisades wildfires that claimed at least 31 lives and destroyed thousands of homes. Just days after celebrating the parade with the theme, “Best Day Ever,” the region faced unimaginable tragedy, but now, the upcoming parade symbolizes hope and resilience.
The wildfires severely impacted 48 staff members and volunteers from the Tournament of Roses. Reese Rosental Saporito, a marketing assistant and survivor, expressed the emotional toll: “It was a really quick pivot from a really joyous time with the 2025 Rose Parade to something of such mass tragedy.” Saporito, who was forced to evacuate her home in Altadena, shared, “My house is still standing, but everyone else on my street is gone.”
Tournament of Roses Director of Communications, Candy Carlson, also lost her home during the Eaton fire. “It was the most significant, tragic thing that’s happened in my life,” she stated. Carlson emphasized the importance of community support, saying, “The staff, the volunteers, they were the first to come toward me with, how can I help?”
In an effort to aid recovery, the Tournament organized clothing donations at their float barns, allowing members to heal by giving back. “Sorting clothing was a real healing time for me,” Carlson remarked.
This year’s parade theme, “The Magic in Teamwork,” pays tribute to the first responders and volunteers who came together in the wake of the fires. “What the fires really did for me personally is make me realize how deeply ingrained the spirit of Altadena is,” Saporito said, reflecting on the community’s resilience.
Mark Leavens, President of the Tournament of Roses, noted, “We really look at this year as being especially relevant to the people that have gone through so much.” The organization has established a fund to support victims of the fires, further demonstrating their commitment to the community’s recovery.
Leavens added, “The theme celebrates that collaborative spirit and how we can achieve so much more when we work with others.” The parade not only honors those who lost their lives but also showcases the strength and unity of the community.
As the parade approaches, the excitement builds, and the Tournament of Roses aims to bring joy and hope to all affected. “I hope this can be a point of joy, happiness, and spirit for people to set the year off in a positive light,” Saporito concluded.
This year’s festivities promise to uplift spirits and foster a sense of togetherness, making it a remarkable celebration of resilience in the face of tragedy. The Rose Parade is not just an event; it’s a testament to the enduring strength of Pasadena and the surrounding communities as they rebuild and recover together.
