Downey float wins Wrigley Legacy Award for best floral presentation

PASADENA — The Downey Rose Float Association’s entry in the 135th Tournament of Roses Parade won the Wrigley Legacy Award, presented to the most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design and entertainment.

The self-built float is titled “Rhythm of the Caribbean” and was created entirely by volunteers.

The San Diego Zoo took top honors in the Rose Parade, winning the 2024 Sweepstakes Trophy for its entry "It All Started With a Roar."

The float features hundreds of thousands of seeds, bark and flowers with a theme that revolves around the zoo's 107-year history of wildlife conservation.

It depicts the zoo's historic icon, Rex the Lion, standing on a ridge overlooking the rest of the 55-foot float.

The float was built by Azusa-based Artistic Entertainment Services.

The Sweepstakes Award, which has been presented for each parade since 1924, honors the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.

The other winning floats, 23 in all, are:

-- The Cowgirl Channel

"Cowgirls Rule"

Americana Award for most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions

-- Trader Joe's

"A One, A Two ... A One-Two-Three Broccoli!"

Animation Award for most outstanding use of animation

-- The UPS Store, Inc.

"The Beat of Achievement"

Bob Hope Humor Award for most whimsical and amusing float

--  Cal Poly Universities

"Shock & Roll-Powering Music Current"

Crown City Innovator for most outstanding use of imagination, innovation and technology

-- Pasadena Humane Society/Hill's Pet Nutrition

"Feed the Love"

Director's Award for most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral

-- Visit Newport Beach

"Jingle on the Waves"

Extraordinaire Award for most extraordinary float

-- City of Alhambra

"Keep Dreaming"

Fantasy Award for most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination

-- South Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association

"Boogie Fever"

Founder's Award for most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization

-- La Canada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association

"Flower Power"

Golden State Award for most outstanding depiction of life in California

-- American Armenian Rose Float Association

"Armenian Melodies"

Grand Marshal Award for most outstanding creative concept and float design

-- Coding for Veterans

"Sounds of Success"

International Award for most outstanding float from outside the United States

-- Core Kidney Foundation

"Gift of Life: A Tune That Never Fades."

Isabella Coleman Award for most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony through floral design

-- Onelegacy Donate Life

"Women Together-The Dance of Life"

Judges Award for most outstanding float design and dramatic impact

-- Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee

"Clean Water - The Music of Life"

Leishman Public Spirit Award for most outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial participant

-- Burbank Tournament of Roses Association

"Caterpillar Melody"

Mayor's Award for most outstanding float from a participating city

-- Visit Lauderdale

"Everyone Under the Sun"

Past President's Award for most outstanding innovation in the use of floral and non-floral materials

-- Kaiser Permanente

"Symphony of You"

President's Award for most outstanding use and presentation of flowers

-- City of Torrance

"The Lyrical Call of Nature"

Princess Award for most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet and under in length

-- Sierra Madre Rose Float Association

"Enchanted Music Box"

Queen's Award for most outstanding presentation of roses

-- Louisiana Office of Tourism

"Explore Louisiana"

Showmanship Award for most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment

-- Western Asset Management

"Together in Harmony"

Theme Award for most outstanding presentation of the Rose Parade Theme

-- Kiwanis International

"Serving in Harmony"

Tournament Volunteer Award for most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade Theme among floats 35 feet and under in length

-- Trader Joe's

"You Are Invited"

Americana Award for most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions

NewsEric Pierce