Rain Expected as Go Bowling Float Reemerges in Rose Parade

For the second consecutive year, Go Bowling is taking part in the Rose Parade Presented by Honda in Pasadena, California — but this year, Mother Nature threatens to dampen the occasion.

According to the National Weather Service, the onslaught of rain that has pushed into Southern California could linger into Thursday morning. Rumbles of thunder also are not out of the question at the parade’s start time.

If the forecast holds true, it would mark the first time in 20 years that it has rained on the parade.

Regardless of the forecast, the event will go on and participants are preparing accordingly. The theme for the 137th edition of the annual celebration is “The Magic in Teamwork,” giving Go Bowling the opportunity to showcase the unifying power of the sport through its aptly named “Rolling Together as One” float.

From front to back, “Rolling Together as One” brings the excitement of bowling to life in larger-than-life fashion. At the top of the float, a giant bowling ball gives the illusion of having crashed into 10 oversized bowling pins, captured in a “pin splash” moment that freezes the thrill of a perfect strike. The strike explodes with bursts of pins and motion, creating the signature image every bowler seeks.

Extending down, the float shows off a 25-foot bowling lane where riders stride forward with bowling balls in hand, ready to roll. Vibrant signage rises high at the rear, styled like a retro bowling marquee, with bold Go Bowling branding ensuring the message is unmistakable to television viewers and those along the parade route.

Surrounding the entire base, a bed of vibrant florals enhances the energy and color of the design, tying the whole scene together in festive celebration.

“Bowling has a magical way of bringing friends and family together as one,” said Tyler Herreman, president of the Bowling Proprietors’ Association of America. “This float represents the excitement of creating those special moments with those closest to you, and we hope it encourages everyone to head to their local bowling center to join in the fun.”

Go Bowling also is the presenting sponsor of FloatFest, which takes place Jan. 1-3. This two-mile display features Rose Parade floats after their appearances on the parade route. Each year, nearly 70,000 visitors head for Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena for a rare opportunity to get up close to the floats and admire the details and creativity that make each display unique.

Go Bowling brand ambassadors will be on hand to answer questions about the sport of bowling and the Go Bowling float, and attendees can instantly win Go Bowling prizes and enter to win the “Free Bowling for a Year” grand prize.

“We’re thrilled to once again roll together in the Rose Parade and share the excitement of bowling with millions of spectators across the country,” said John Harbuck, president of Strike Ten Entertainment. “The Go Bowling ‘Rolling Together as One’ float embodies the energy, creativity and community spirit that make bowling America’s number-one participatory sport. It’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase our sport and roll into the new year on one of the biggest stages of the holiday season.”

The parade will air on multiple television networks, streaming services and apps — rain or shine.