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Health & Fitness

Patch Blog: Rose Float Needs Containers, Paint Brushes & Other Supplies

South Pasadena Rose Parade Float is looking for containers, paint brushes, old bed sheets and seed pods for this year's float season.

First off, a big thank you to all who came out in support of our 7th annual "Cruz'n for Roses" Car Show this past Sunday. We had an amazing turn out with our largest number of classic, custom and hot rod cars ever. Ted Shaw and Janet Madrigal have worked tirelessly to make this one of the best car shows in the area and their dedication and civic pride were evident througout the entire event.

Mayor Ten's booth raised a little over $300 for our float and many more donated directly at the float's static display. Witnessing the support from our community first-hand is both overwhelming and humbling.

Lots of the attendees were amazed at how far ahead of schedule we are with the actual construction of the float. We are nearly 75% completed with the welding and framework section and will be moving into covering major surfaces with wood shortly. 

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The dedicated members of the construction crew (of which I am a part) made the executive decision to start in the end of June instead of waiting until the tent went up on September 1st. This decision gave us the time we needed to finish the mechanical work on one of the "animated" Mars rover that made his debut in fully operational form at the car show.

Here is where we ask for more of your help: Most of what we're now asking for is already around you, or waiting to be thrown out.

Find out what's happening in South Pasadenawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

  • We are in the need of plastic containers for use with glue and paint. The simple ones you get at the grocery store with cream cheese, yogurt and sour cream in them will suit our needs perfectly. Even big plastic tubs from laundry detergent will suit our needs as long as they will hold 8 or more ounces in them. New or used "throw away" paint brushes (in 1" and 2" sizes) are always appreciated too.
  • The second Item we are looking for is bed sheets and/or solid (non-lace) table linens. We will be using them to cover the chicken wire framing of our float and then texture coat them to look like a rock surface. We want old ones; so kids, no raiding mom's good linens!
  • The third item we're looking for are the seed pods of the Liquidambar Styraciflua or Sweet Gum tree. You all may not know the name of them, but you know the wrath of them on your bare feet as you step on one hiding in taller grass. They are those spikey, golf ball-sized, brown meteorites (click here for a photo) that fall this time of year in yards across South Pasadena. We need tons of these, so please bag up all you find.

 

Now that you know what we're looking for, you're probably going to ask, "What do I do with this stuff once I've gathered it?" Our tent is located in the parking lot at 435 Fair Oaks Ave; you can drop them off there any time. Or you can email me through the "email the author" link above, and I will gladly pick the items up from your home if you so desire.

We are always looking for volunteers and—believe it or not—decoration is in full swing with dry item work being done on detail items. The construction crew could always use a hand, too. We are an entry-level volunteer organization who are always willing to teach and no previous float, welding or mechanical experience is required (although, skilled tradespersons are always welcome too). 

For all of the up-to-date photos, schedules and information relating to YOUR South Pasadena Rose Parade float, follow this link and "Like" our Facebook page at: www.facebook.com/SPRoseFloat.

Once again, thank you to all of you for your continued support of our organization. It is your support that will help us continue as we journey into our second century of spreading South Pasadena civic pride to the world stage on New Year's Day.

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