Thousands Brave The California Cold For The 126th Rose Parade

Photo: Rose Parade Facebook

New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1st, 2015, marked the 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda in Pasadena, California. Although temperatures hit an all-time low, thousands came out to see the beautiful floats make their 5 mile parade journey.

The 2015 Rose Parade Grand Marshal, the late Louis Zamperini, was the embodiment of an inspiring story. An Olympian and World War II prisoner of war, Zamperini was a symbol of heroism and perseverance. Zamperini’s family was honored during the parade.

This year’s parade theme, “Inspiring Stories,” encouraged everyone to celebrate the many people who elevate the human spirit, and the #RoseParade #Inspiring Stories social media campaign served as a platform for people to share their inspiring stories at www.roseparadeinspire.com.The City of Torrance, Fiesta Parade Floats won Excellence In Presenting Parade Theme for their “A Race Well Run” float.

At 1:30 p.m. PT (4:30 p.m. ET) at the Rose Bowl Stadium the No. 2 CFP-ranked Oregon Ducks, champions of the Pac-12 Conference, and the No. 3 CFP-ranked Florida State Seminoles, champions of the ACC Conference will play in the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual at the Rose Bowl Stadium.