Exactly two years ago I attended my first Rose Bowl Parade. My very generous friend Kelley shared her VIP tickets with us and we scored excellent bleacher seats right at the starting line.

We departed our apartments in the wee hours of the morning to catch the metro to Pasadena, as parking there is both expensive and nearly impossible on January 1st. It was pitch black outside when we arrived and made our way to the starting line.

We milled about as TV crews set up their jibs and tested audio equipment. Gradually the sky began to glow blue.

The staff wears snazzy white suits with red accents.

And the sun begins to dawn…

Pretty soon the bleachers are filled and the parade is ready to begin. This year’s theme is “Just Imagine.”

The parade itself lasts for about two hours and features nearly 100 exhibits (including 44 floats, 16 marching bands, and 22 equestrian troupes) as it winds a five-mile route through Pasadena.

Hi Kenny G… so random. And the flowers on each float are quite impressive, as evidenced by the photo on the right (that is a real cloud of fire escaping from the volcano).

This is astronaut Rex Walheim and his horticulturist brother Lance.

The Grand Marshal is J.R. Martinez, a former actor on All My Children and winner of Dancing with the Stars. The soap opera community is a small one and it was fun to wave to him and Diana (seated in the car).

The Trader Joe’s float… which I probably personally funded given my frequent visits to this store year-round. It’s on the short list of places I missed while traveling this past year.

Here are a bunch of moments from the parade, presented with minimal commentary:

The Calgary Stampede was represented by an equestrian team — a nice reminder of our trip to Canada the previous summer. My friend Allison and I visited another friend, Deidra, and attended the preview evening of the Stampede.

This marching band from Kyoto (now one of my favorite cities) performed with great panache.

Great slogan, Wisconsin! I love this state.

Let’s hear it for these guys, who do the dirty work. They must’ve REALLY wanted to work this event.

Girl Scout pride!

And that’s a wrap! Such a fun way to kick off the New Year.