The 2022 Rose Parade might look the same when it blooms again on January 1, but a host of new precautions will be in place to keep spectators and participants safe.
Tournament officials, law enforcement and first responders announced the new rules at a press conference on the steps of Pasadena City Hall Thursday.
The 2021 parade was canceled because of the pandemic. That cancellation marked the first since World War II, when the parade was scotched in 1942 days after the attack on Pearl Harbor plunged the nation into the war.
Some rules — like a ban on drones near the Parade route, outlawing couches on sidewalks, and forbidding bonfires — have been enforced for years.
But pandemic-induced rules are making big changes for Parade viewers.
Parade watchers in the “TV Corner” grandstands at Orange Grove and Colorado Boulevards as well as fans attending the Rose Bowl game will be expected to show proof of vaccination or a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of New Year’s Day.
Tournament of Roses CEO David Eads said the intersection as well as the game have been designated as “mega” events, which are defined as being a gathering of 10,000 or more.
All participants in the parade, whether marching, riding, or on a float team, will also need to be vaccinated.
However, there will be no such vaccination requirements further east along the parade route, Eads said.
“Our number one priority is the safety of all of our guests and volunteers,” said Tournament of Roses CEO David Eads
“Once again, we welcome the world to Pasadena,” said retiring Police Chief John Perez.
Over 2,000 Pasadena and local agency police will be backed by officers from the California Department of Highway Patrol, Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department and officials with the Department of Homeland Security and other federal agencies to patrol and monitor the parade route on January 1, said Perez.
Perez suggested that parade attendees store two phone numbers for the City and police department on their mobile phone— (626) 744-7311 for the City of Pasadena, and (626) 744-4241, for the police department.
“We want to make sure that everybody is taking care of one another,” he added, “and that we are one community, and that we are here for each other in terms of safety.”
Pasadena Fire Chief Chad Augustin drilled down on some specifics.
“The extended forecast for New Year’s Day is for highs around sixties with lows in the upper thirties to low forties,” Augustin said, adding, “I would encourage each of you to look at the forecast as we get closer and be prepared. I encourage you to be prepared with extra water, sunscreen and dressing layers.”
Parade goers should be prepared to act if there is an emergency, Augustin said.
“Call 9 1 1 immediately,” he said. “And if at all possible, know your location. Without knowing your exact location, that can cause seconds to a minute’s delay. And those seconds to minutes can be the difference between life and death.”
Pasadena has seen a 100% increase in calls for Fire Dept. emergency service on past New Year’s Eves and New Year’s Days.
The threat of fires caused by parade goers trying to stay warm is a major concern.
Small professionally-manufactured barbecues or similar warming appliances that are at least one foot off the ground and 25 feet away from structures are approved for use along the Parade route, said Augustin, but encouraged those with warming appliances to have a fire extinguisher available on site.
“Bonfires are illegal and not approved,” he stressed.
“Our goal is to instill confidence in the parade and game so that each of our spectators can enjoy a great family event and a longstanding tradition.”