2006
Fun Float Facts Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Float
Entry
NUMBER OF YEARS IN ROSE PARADE: 10
FLOAT HEIGHT: 30 FEET
FLOAT WIDTH: 18 FEET
FLOAT LENGTH: 55 FEET
HOW / WHY WAS THIS THEME CHOSEN?
The float theme is in accordance with Rain Bird’s
corporate philosophy of promoting the Intelligent Use of
Water™ worldwide. In doing so, Mist-ical Marsupials’ focus
is to bring awareness to the central and important role that
water plays in sustaining the vitality of all environments
and inhabitants.
HOW DOES YOUR THEME RELATE TO PARADE THEME?
Mist-ical Marsupials showcases a koala family frolicking
in their natural habitat and celebrates the magic created
by the harmonious balance of life in pristine wilderness,
while drawing attention to the need to preserve the natural
habitats of koalas and all threatened and endangered species.
SIGNIFICANCE OF THEME TO THE PARTICIPANT:
Icons of Australia, koalas are one of the best-recognized
families of animals in the world. Their dependence on Eucalyptus
leaves as their sole source of nutrition and water coupled
with the rapid destruction of their native environment has
resulted in a decline in the wild koala population. As such,
they have come to symbolize endangered species and the need
for conservation efforts, a perfect fit for Rain Bird’s
steadfast commitment to environmental preservation and The
Intelligent Use of Water?.
FLOAT
DESCRIPTION:
Designed by the award-winning float designer, Raul Rodriguez,
Rain Bird’s tenth anniversary Rose Parade float Mist-ical
Marsupials captures a magical tranquil moment of a koala
family in their natural habitat deep within a lush and floral
Australian eucalyptus forest. A mother koala and her joeys
are magnificently shrouded by an abundance of immaculate
sculptured floral including protea, banksia, water lilies
and orchids which overflow from tree branches to adorn the
forest floor covered in more than 50,000 hot pink roses.
Waterfalls cascade down plush moss covered walls and accentuate
the mist-draped gardens. Featured native Australian fauna
include two sculpted white sulfur-crested cockatoos, a frilled
lizard, colorful dragonflies and a crocodile basking in a
fresh water lagoon.
Rain Bird magnificently and vividly represents its continued
commitment to water conservation and its ongoing concern
for all species and the habitats in which they live throughout
the world.
CONCEPT:
Now in its 10th year as a participant in the Rose Parade,
Rain Bird continues its tradition of featuring a vulnerable
species to draw attention to the need for environmental preservation
and conservation of the Earth’s most precious element,
water.
The cute and cuddly, teddy bear-like appearance has made
the koala one of the world’s most charismatic and popular
animals. Rooted deep in Australian history, the koala gets
its name from an ancient Aboriginal word meaning "no
drink" as it receives over 90% of its hydration from
the Eucalyptus leaves it eats. Koalas live almost exclusively
in the top branches of eucalyptus trees where their strong
legs and sharp claws enable them to grip the trunks. Officially,
a protected species, aggressive ongoing educational and conservational
efforts have been implemented to protect koalas in the wild
and to ensure their survival.
FLOWERING DETAIL:
The family of koalas, realistically decorated in thick fur
of gray ming moss with fuzzy bellies of creamy pampas grass,
have ears accented with hairy uva grass and claws of black
glossy seaweed. The marsupials are at home in their natural
habitat nested high above the forest floor on an enormous
sculptured branch created in malaluca bark native from Australia.
Crisp white cockatoos of coconut chips are accented in petals
of vibrant yellow strawflowers with dragonflies of hot pink
and purple sinuata statice fluttering about. The crocodile
has been artistically created in textured pineapple skins
while the frilled lizard has been crafted in individual brown
split peas to create realistic scales.
Large sculptured King protea have been recreated in petals
of silverleaf protea and the oversized orchids in white carnation
petals. Magnificent floral displays created from indigenous
materials imported from Australia adorn the float and consist
of kangaroo paw, lilies, leucadendron, bornia, leucospermum,
waratah and dryandra. Thousands of stems of banksia and protea,
with numerous new hybrid varieties and colors featured for
the first time in the Rose Parade include koala banksia (Baueri
Banksia). Brilliant red gymea lilies, which grow to a towering
height of over 20 feet, are highlighted in floral design
areas. Over 50,000 roses complete the lush floral gardens.
ANIMATION:
Ten separate waterfalls, (one for each year of parade participation)
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 koalas are accomplished with hydraulics. An on-board
audio system compliments this fun and harmonious 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. Exacting research was conducted
by Fiesta Parade Floats to insure the realistic posturing
and sculpture of the koalas, cockatoos, crocodile and frilled
lizard.
FLOAT RIDERS & SPECIAL DETAILS ABOUT THE RIDERS.
Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of the Columbus Zoo and
renowned animal expert.
Based in Glendora, Calif., Rain Bird Corporation is the
leading manufacturer and provider of irrigation products
and services. Since its beginnings in 1933, Rain Bird has
offered the industry’s broadest range of irrigation
products for farms, golf courses, sports arenas, commercial
developments and homes in more than 130 countries around
the world. Rain Bird has been awarded more than 130 patents,
including the first in 1935 for the impact sprinkler. Rain
Bird and The Intelligent Use of Water™ is about using
water wisely. Its commitment extends beyond products to education,
training and services for the industry and the community.
Rain Bird maintains state-of-the-art manufacturing assembly
facilities in the United States, France, Sweden and Mexico
http://www.rainbird.com.
SPECIAL INTEREST INFORMATION:
This is Rain Bird's tenth year as a participant in the Tournament
of Roses Parade, having won nine previous awards including
the most prestigious award, the Sweepstakes Trophy, in 2005,
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 2006 float.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION AND COMMENTS:
Rain Bird’s focus on conservation extends beyond products
and services to include initiatives that motivate our industry
partners and the public-at-large to use water in the most
efficient manner possible. Whether it is through grade school
teaching curriculums, sponsorship of three hands-on environmental
learning centers at Cal Poly Pomona, the Irrigation
for a Growing World white paper or by reaching the broader community
through an award-winning history of participation in the
Tournament of Roses Parade, Rain Bird’s commitment
to environmental conservation resonates strong.
