Cal Poly Universities Rose Float

Every year Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo jointly build and enter a floral entry (aka float) into the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association Rose Parade. These two institutions have continuously participated in the parade since 1949; winning the Award of Merit in their first year. The Cal Poly floats have led in introducing technology to the Parade, including the first use of hydraulics for animation in 1968, the first use of computer-controlled animation in 1978, the first use of fiber optics in 1982, animated deco in 2014, and the first to create a color changing floral effect in 2017. As of January 2, 2017, the floats have won 57 awards. This program is one of the longest consecutive running self-built entries in the parade, as well as the only "self built" float designed and constructed entirely by students year-round on two campuses. They compete against professional float builders who manufacture entries for sponsors, many of them with development budgets approaching $1 million. This tradition continues today and marks the partnership between the two campuses.

Road & Track magazine did a road test of the Cal Poly Universities Rose Float as part of their annual April issue of unusual vehicles. Information on how the Cal Poly Universities were first invited to the parade can be found on the Special Collections History page (see External Link Section below). Stories and pictures of the Cal Poly student adventures can be found on our unofficial documentary site (see External Link Section below).