The UPS Store, Inc. marked its third appearance at the Tournamentof Roses® Rose Parade today, taking home the Sweepstakes Award forits float, “Books Keep Us On Our Toes,” designed to inspirechildren to experience life through the joy of reading.
The Sweepstakes Trophy is presented to floats for the mostbeautiful entry, encompassing overall float design, floralpresentation and entertainment. This is the second year in a rowthat The UPS Store, Inc. won the parade’s prestigious topprize.
“The UPS Store, Inc. is once again honored to receive this year’sSweepstakes Trophy for our majestic float,” said Tim Davis,president of The UPS Store, Inc. “We are incredibly grateful to thefloat builders, float decorating volunteers and The Tournament ofRoses® volunteers and staff in helping us highlight the importanceof childhood literacy in a colorful way and in a nationalspotlight.”
The UPS Store, Inc. sponsored Rose Parade float, titled “StoriesChange Our World,” made its way down Pasadena’s iconic 5.5 milestretch of Colorado Boulevard. Designed by Fiesta Parade Floats,the majestic float showcased tamarin monkeys, an endangeredspecies, alongside toucans, salamanders, butterflies and parrots,to represent hope and strong community ties.
At 35 feet tall and 55 feet long, the float featured thousands offresh flowers with animated animals and three sparkling waterfalls,all of which were synchronized and powered by a state-of-the-arthydraulic system. The float was meticulously adorned with diversefloral varieties, from vibrant blue statice blossoms to 25,000 darkpink Hot Lady roses.
The fanciful float served as inspiration for the winning youngauthors of “Tell Your Tale,” a short story contest. Their storiesare included in a special anthology book, in which 10,000 printcopies are being handed out at the Tournament of Roses Post Paradeevent through Jan. 2. The book is also available for downloadonline. Additionally, a number of the books are being distributedin braille to the Los Angeles area to support literacy for childrenthat are visually impaired.