Float Highlights Lewis &
Clark Expedition, Earth's Precious Resources and Water Management
Pasadena, Calif. (Jan. 1, 2001) - Rain Bird Corporation,
the world's largest manufacturer of irrigation equipment,
announced today that its 2001 Tournament of Roses Parade float,
titled "Enchanted Expedition," was awarded the prestigious
Sweepstakes Trophy by the Tournament of Roses Judging Committee.
This is the third year Rain Bird has captured the Sweepstakes
Trophy, the Tournament of Roses Parade's most prestigious
accolade.
Since 1997, Rain Bird has been capturing honors for its inventive
floats focused on water conservation. In 1998 and 1999, the
company received the coveted Sweepstakes Trophy, presented
to the most beautiful entry in the parade for outstanding
floral presentation and design. In 2000, the company received
the President's Trophy for the most effective use and presentation
of flowers.
Thousands of Rain Bird employee volunteers and their families
spent more than 10,000 cumulative hours applying hundreds
of thousands of fresh flowers to the three-story, 55-foot-long
"Enchanted Expedition" float. The float depicts
the lush beauty of the majestic wildlife and the adventures
of Lewis and Clark while highlighting the importance of the
earth's precious resources to the environment. The float features
a breathtaking nature scene complete with animated wild animals
and more than 50,000 roses. In addition, the float's chassis
was specially designed and engineered to support more than
13,000 pounds of water (1,585 gallons) displayed on the float
in the form of six cascading waterfalls.
"Rain Bird is very honored to once again receive the
Sweepstakes Trophy," said Art Ludwick, senior vice president,
Rain Bird. "We're so pleased to have the opportunity
to share the message about the importance of water conservation
and the earth's precious resources in such a unique and beautiful
way."
Jack Hanna, Director Emeritus of Columbus Zoological Gardens
and host, "Jack Hanna's Animal Adventures," rode
on "Enchanted Expedition" along with Walter Crawford
of the World Bird Sanctuary and Randy'L Teton, the Sacagawea
model for the new U.S. Golden Dollar coin. Kuma, an American
Golden Eagle, accompanied the group on the float's ride down
Colorado Boulevard.
Rain Bird Corporation, based in Glendora, Calif., is the
world's largest manufacturer of sprinkler and drip irrigation
equipment. Founded in 1933, Rain Bird offers the industry's
broadest range of irrigation products to golf courses, sports
arenas, amusement parks, farms, and commercial and residential
developments in more than 120 countries around the world.
For more information, visit Rain Bird's web site at www.rainbird.com.
