The Tournament of Roses’ 135th Rose Parade drew its largest crowd to Pasadena’s streets since the COVID-19 pandemic shut down the event in 2021, officials said on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
The Rose Parade typically brings in hundreds of thousands of spectators lining Colorado Boulevard around New Year’s Day, growing from 3,000 attendees at its inception to about 700,000 in 2019.
But since returning in 2022 and no parade in 2021, attendance has dipped, whether from initial COVID concerns or last year’s parade falling on Jan. 2. While there is no official estimate, according to city spokesperson Lisa Derderian, the 2024 Rose Parade was the biggest in the last three years.
“It’s five square miles, and some of these blocks have more than 100 people per block,” Derderian said. “This year has been our biggest year in at least three years. It’s the first traditional parade in three years.”
Despite the large crowds, Derderian noted that there were few incidents along the 5.5-mile route for such a massive public event, with just 10 medical emergencies and no arrests over New Year’s Eve night. Pasadena police deployed enhanced security, including K-9 units throughout the parade route.
“The 2024 Rose Parade proved to be an extraordinary success, captivating audiences with unparalleled artistry and music,” Tournament of Roses CEO David Eades said in a statement.
“Drawing in a global audience, this year’s Parade sets a high standard for future parades. The awe-inspiring performances undoubtedly made the 2024 Rose Parade a cherished memory for all who had the pleasure of experiencing it, whether streaming, TV, or in person.”
Pasadena Police Chief Eugene Harris had noted that his department would deploy bolstered personnel. Public safety coverage on parade day is a joint effort at the local, state and federal levels, and Harris said his department was ready for any potential protests, given the the Israel-Hamas war and the demonstrations it has sparked in Southern California and across the globe for weeks.
In the weeks leading up to the parade, he said the department was not expecting any demonstrations that would use the parade as a platform, but would be prepared to respond if they occurred.
“We are completely engaged, working with our local, state and federal partners,” he said. “We have complete confidence that we will have another event that will go unhampered, without any issues
One near disaster was avoided during the parade, around 10 a.m., when a woman in her 20s rammed her car into a barricade at the intersection of Colorado Boulevard and Chester Avenue, according to city officials.
The suspect was arrested on suspicion of assault with a deadly weapon. Two off-duty police officers, not from Pasadena, assisted in detaining the driver before Pasadena PD could arrive, according to Derderian.
Holding up their banners, protesters left the street and stood in the sidewalk area before they were persuaded to leave with no arrests.
Following the parade, dozens also demonstrated outside of Floatfest, where floats are annually held on display for the public. The event, organized by a group of Pasadena interfaith communities, called for a ceasefire and remained peaceful, though by late afternoon police had set up a barricade.
Even with the specter of such protests over world events, ultimately, officials were pleased with the Tournament.
“In preparing for an event as large as the Rose Parade, we collaborate with our public safety partners and plan for several contingencies,” Eades said late Monday. “Today’s Parade was an example of the success of preparedness to ensure the safety of participants and spectators.”
There was also less concern about coronavirus. This year marked the first year since 2020 when there were no COVID-19 restrictions.
Officials noted that organizers had been coordinating with Pasadena’s Public Health Department, just in case. But case levels have never risen to alarming levels that would require any mass public health measures.