Throughout the ages mankind has been captivated by the grandeur, beauty and harmony of the natural world and its vivid array of floral and fauna. Rain Bird’s lush floral depiction of Springtime Symphony splendidly represents its commitment to water conservation and its concern for endangered species and the habitats in which they live.
In celebration of the arrival of spring, symbolic of both new and continuing life, the glistening winter snow thaws to unveil the magnificent colors and textures of the Grand Canyon’s dense floral forest floor. Newly hatched Spotted Owl chicks, nestled in the protective care of their parents, are safely perched in the crown of an oversized conifer tree. A red-crested Pileated Woodpecker, the largest woodpecker in North America, drills for food as fuzzy chipmunks scurry to harvest their next meal. At the front of the float a curious ocelot cub explores its new blossoming playground.
HOW / WHY WAS THIS THEME CHOSEN?
The float theme is in accordance with Rain Bird’s corporate philospophy of promoting the Intelligent Use of Water™ worldwide. In doing so, Springtime Symphony’s focus is to bring awareness to the central and important role that water plays in sustaining the vitality of all environments and the inhabitants.
HOW DOES YOUR THEME RELATE TO PARADE THEME?
“
Springtime Symphony” is symbolic of Rain Bird’s commitment to water conservation and environmental preservation by celebrating the grandeur, beauty, harmony and sounds of the natural world that together create nature’s symphony.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THEME TO THE PARTICIPANT:
Like many of us here in the United States, the magnificent species that inhabit the walls of the Grand Canyon, as shown on Springtime Symphony, all depend on the incredible water and natural resources provided by the Colorado River for sustained life. Consequently, the continued depletion of this once great water source presents a serious threat to the vitality of all the region’s flora and fauna – a prime example of the importance of conserving water by using it in the most efficient and precise manner possible.
FLOWERING:
Coloration is an effective camouflage for the forest dwelling owls. The shades and textures of browns, cream and white have been created with the use of ironed red ti, magnolia and sea grape leaves with tufts of cornhusk, cordon puffs and pampas grass. Sugar pine cone pedals are used for the leathery like areas on the owl’s legs. The soft fluffy down on the baby chicks has been created with angel hair, sepia and Spanish pampas grass.
Individual feathers, cut from glossy black seaweed, have been used to cover the woodpecker with carnation petals forming its distinctive red crest. The fuzzy fur of the ocelot was achieved by blending various shades of yellow, gold, orange and bronze strawflower petals. Hand-brushed palm fiber creates the natural fur texture on the chipmunks.
The conifer tree trunks, created from strips of redwood bark and dark bronze chrysanthemums, support the glistening snow mounds of crisp white carnations, dendrobium sprays, Alba cattleya orchids and thousands of Jack Frost and Eskimo roses. Spring meadows of tulips, alstroemeria, lily of the valley, freesia, bells of Ireland, forsythia, liatris, daffodils, muscari, hyacinths and roses complete this woodland scene.
ANIMATION:
Eight separate waterfalls, signature elements of all of Rain Bird’s floats, showcase the company’s reverence for water and its importance to the environment. Featuring over 1,500 gallons of flowing and cascading recycled water; the waterfalls span the float along with 24-high pressure misting nozzles. Realistic movements of the sculptured animals are accomplished with hydraulics. An on-board audio system compliments this pastoral scene.
INNOVATIONS USED IN BUILDING THIS FLOAT:
The float chassis was specially designed and engineered to safely support the 13,000 + pounds of water prominently displayed on this float.
HUMAN INTEREST ITEMS:
This is Rain Bird's eighth year as a participant in the Tournament of Roses Parade, having won the Sweepstakes Trophy in 2003, 2002, 2001, 1999 and 1998. Employees throughout Rain Bird’s international network, assisted by families and friends, have volunteered their services to decorate the 2004 float.
FLOAT RIDERS & SPECIAL DETAILS ABOUT THE RIDERS.
Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and renowned animal expert.
Walter C. Crawford Jr., Founder and Director, World Bird Sanctuary.
