2007 Fun Float Facts
Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Float Entry

• NUMBER OF YEARS IN ROSE PARADE: 11
• FLOAT HEIGHT: 32 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 environmental preservation through the Intelligent Use of Water™ worldwide.  In doing so, Natural Beauties focuses on bringing awareness to the central role that water plays in sustaining the vitality of all of the Earth’s inhabitants, and calls attention to the importance of adapting behaviors in order to thrive in ever-changing environments.

Natural Beauties showcases various lizard species from throughout the world and salutes the ability of nature’s creatures to adapt, endure and thrive in a wide range of climates and conditions.  In focusing on the lizard’s ability to sustain life, it is important that all of the Earths inhabitants modify their behaviors to conserve our natural surroundings and Earth’s most precious natural resource for generations to come

SIGNIFICANCE OF THEME TO THE PARTICIPANT:

With nearly 3,800 species worldwide, Lizards can be found in nearly every corner of Earth.  From unforgiving deserts to lush rainforests, Lizards have adapted to thrive in the most extreme environments and are the ultimate symbol of endurance as they sustain life despite ever changing climates and environments.

Rain Bird’s 2007 float pays tribute to these Natural Beauties, and provides a platform from which to address the pressing need for all of the Earths inhabitants to amend their behavior to preserve our natural surroundings and conserve Earth’s most precious natural resource for generations to come.  A perfect fit for Rain Bird’s steadfast commitment to environmental preservation and The Intelligent Use of Water™.

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 pays tribute to the role water plays in sustaining all plants and animals in ecosystems around the world with their float, Natural Beauties. Through the float’s depiction of reptiles from a variety of regions, Rain Bird encourages The Intelligent Use of Water™and conservation of Earth’s most precious resource.

Various lizard species from throughout the world are found basking in the colorful rain forest laden with thousands of aromatic roses. The South American basilisk (or Jesus lizard) is known for its ability to run on its hind legs, even across short distances of water.  The ringed-tail gecko, from the Australian continent, has claws and scansors (adhesive pads on its toes) and is known for its ability to climb all surfaces from smooth glass to rough rock and tree bark.  The Costa Rican green basilisk has a head ornamentation and sail-like crest on its back and tail to increase its apparent size as a deterrent to potential predators.  The Parson’s chameleon and the giant day gecko, often called the “living jewel” due to its prominent coloring, are both native to Madagascar.  The green iguana, indigenous to Central America, is considered the largest of the lizard species.  Also featured are two green tree frogs from the South Eastern region of the USA.

Four waterfalls, consisting of the largest ever showcased in the Rose Parade, gently cascade through mist-draped gardens into a central lagoon filled with floating sculptured water lilies and colorful frogs.  Lush tropical ferns and exotic cattails created with thousands of roses frame this memorizing setting.

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:

A beautiful nature study to enjoy and observe ... the lifelike and vivid array of these impressive lizards, with their prehistoric appearance, has mystified and captivated mankind for generations.  In creating this spectacular scene reminiscent of the native habitat of these reptiles in the exotic and lush tropics, Rain Bird invites you to discover the fun and the magnificent gift of flora and fauna bestowed upon us by Mother Nature.

FLOWERING DETAIL:

The majestic lizards, some up to 28 feet in length, come to life with scaly skins of moong-dal seed, eucalyptus pods, kumquats and limes, dried apricots, sliced loofa with pecan, brazilin and almond nuts individually placed side by side.  The frogs are artistically created in green and yellow split peas. 

The sculptured cattails have been crafted from over 10,000 coral roses with yellow Gold Strike roses used to accentuate the centers of the sculptured water lilies.  The lizards lazily bask on realistic logs created from thin strips of natural malaleuca bark.

In making Rain Bird truly unique; two distinct “layers” of deck gardens have been designed to give the illusion of land and underwater.  A delicate dragonfly flutters over abundant floral groupings created in the Vegetative design style creating the brilliant forest floor of orange roses that frame the brilliant tropical gardens of heliconia, protea and ginger.  Tropical foliages and ferns complete the lush gardens.

The underwater hues of lavender, Vendelia cream and Jade green roses are accented with thousands of corresponding shades of cymbidium, dendrobium and hybrid vanda orchids, which are accented with gerbera, liatris, kale, brociflower and cabbages.

Over 60,000 roses create Rain Bird’s magnificent floral presentation.

ANIMATION:

Four separate waterfalls, one with an amazing 15 foot drop from street level (the longest ever featured in the Rose Parade) 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 flow into one central lagoon along with 24-high pressure misting nozzles.  Realistic movements of the lizards are accomplished with computerized hydraulics.  An on-board audio system compliments this harmonious nature 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 lizards and frogs.

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.

PARTICIPATING ORGANIZATION INFORMATION:

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 eleventh 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 2007 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 leading industry white papers; convening several global industry summits and symposiums to examine global conservation efforts and strategies; releasing public service announcements; establishing several non-profit partnerships; developing and supporting elementary and middle school curriculums; or its participation in the Tournament of Roses Parade®, an annual worldwide stage to communicate the need for water conservation, Rain Bird’s commitment to environmental conservation resonates strong.