FAQS
|
|
|
When is Decorating Week?
Decorating Week starts on December 27th and runs until judging day on December 31st. The float is decorated at Fiesta Parade Floats in Irwindale, CA. There are also additional dry decorating days in November and December.
I want to help decorate the City of Torrance Rose Parade Float, what do I need to do to sign up?
In order to volunteer to decorate the float, you need to be a member of the Torrance Rose Float Association. Membership information is here. You do not need to be a Torrance resident in order to decorate, but you do need to be a member of the Torrance Rose Float Association.
Decorating is on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a fee of $10 per additional decorator who is part of your family/group but who is not a Torrance Rose Float Association Member.
Once you are a member, you will complete your volunteer form to get scheduled. The form will be under “Decorate” on the website. It is fine to only come to one decorating session, you don’t have to come every day or multiple sessions. Once you have submitted your decorating form, you will hear back about which sessions you are signed up for from our Volunteer Coordinator. Your decorating badge will be emailed to you so you can print it out and get in through security once you arrive at the decorating barn.
How do I get to the decorating barn?
If you are coming from Torrance, there is a bus that will take you, along with other Torrance Rose Float Association members, from Torrance to the float barn. There are day shifts and night shifts. It is roughly a one-hour ride on the bus to get to the float decorating barn which is why Torrance volunteers like to go on the bus. We don’t have to worry about driving, traffic, parking, the tram, etc. The bus leaves Wilson Park in Torrance at 7:45 a.m. for the day shift and 4:45 p.m. for the evening shift. The bus returns at approximately 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. respectively. Seating on the bus is limited so it is important to let us know that you plan to ride the bus.
If you are driving, there is off-site parking for volunteers off the Vernon Avenue exit in Azusa, and then you will take the tram to get to the float barn. You can see the map at fiestaparadefloats.org/volunteer.
What will I get to do as a decorator?
Earlier in the week, the dry materials, seeds, etc. are applied. Lots of straw flowers get hand cut with scissors to cover the float as well. The hardier flowers, greenery and flower arrangements will go on next. The roses usually go on last.
Decorating a float is a fun experience, but be prepared that there are times that get really busy and sometimes we are caught up or waiting around. Sometimes you will just be preparing materials to go on the float, other times the staff may be working on engine problems, animation issues or other priorities that may stop the decorating completely. Be patient and enjoy whatever assignment you get, come prepared to be helpful in any way, and to go with the flow. The excitement and joy of being at the float barn is contagious!
In general, the Torrance Float gets decorated in a timely manner and while there is some last minute activity, we usually don’t have to stay up all night to get everything done in time for judging.
The Fiesta Parade Floats decorating barn is an incredible experience, multiple floats are being decorated and there are thousands of roses, tropical flowers and other flowers being put onto the floats. The transformation during the week is fast and breathtaking. You’ll want to bring your camera and take hundreds of photos.
Should I bring or wear anything special?
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes that are comfortable as well. Bring layers so that if it gets chilly, you have a sweatshirt or light jacket to wear. Some years it is warm and other years we are cold, so be prepared so you can enjoy yourself. Some people like to bring and wear an apron with pockets to help keep cleaner and keep track of personal items while they are decorating. Many people tend to bring their personal items in a backpack and wear their backpack so they can keep their personal belongings secure and not have to worry about them in the whirlwind of activities going on. Generally, all supplies and tools are provided, so you don't need to bring anything special to decorate. You will be working with a lot of glues and natural materials, so plan on getting a little bit sticky and covered with natural materials.
Is there food if I get hungry?
The Torrance Rose Float Association has a hospitality tent and you will check-in at the tent when you come to decorate. Drinks and light snacks are provided throughout the day and evening. Lunch is provided for the day crew. There is food available for purchase at the decorating barn. No food or drinks are allowed in the decorating area, so all food and drinks need to be consumed outside.
Rose Parade Day
Early in the morning, the awards are announced and we hold our breath hoping that our float will be recognized for all of our efforts. A group of Torrance Rose Float Association members and friends will take a bus to watch our float in the parade. Tickets can be purchased in advance and include bus transportation and a parade ticket.
DO'S & DON'TS FOR DECORATING THE TRFA FLOAT
Here are some tips from our Decorator's Meeting:
What should I bring?
What types of jobs might I have?
NO EATING OR DRINKING IN THE BARN
Who will train you?
Our Fiesta Floats Supervisor – June O’Neill (you will love her like we all do!)
Our Team Leaders will be your first contact
Timeline
Decorating Week starts on December 27th and runs until judging day on December 31st. The float is decorated at Fiesta Parade Floats in Irwindale, CA. There are also additional dry decorating days in November and December.
I want to help decorate the City of Torrance Rose Parade Float, what do I need to do to sign up?
In order to volunteer to decorate the float, you need to be a member of the Torrance Rose Float Association. Membership information is here. You do not need to be a Torrance resident in order to decorate, but you do need to be a member of the Torrance Rose Float Association.
Decorating is on a first-come, first-served basis. There will be a fee of $10 per additional decorator who is part of your family/group but who is not a Torrance Rose Float Association Member.
Once you are a member, you will complete your volunteer form to get scheduled. The form will be under “Decorate” on the website. It is fine to only come to one decorating session, you don’t have to come every day or multiple sessions. Once you have submitted your decorating form, you will hear back about which sessions you are signed up for from our Volunteer Coordinator. Your decorating badge will be emailed to you so you can print it out and get in through security once you arrive at the decorating barn.
How do I get to the decorating barn?
If you are coming from Torrance, there is a bus that will take you, along with other Torrance Rose Float Association members, from Torrance to the float barn. There are day shifts and night shifts. It is roughly a one-hour ride on the bus to get to the float decorating barn which is why Torrance volunteers like to go on the bus. We don’t have to worry about driving, traffic, parking, the tram, etc. The bus leaves Wilson Park in Torrance at 7:45 a.m. for the day shift and 4:45 p.m. for the evening shift. The bus returns at approximately 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. respectively. Seating on the bus is limited so it is important to let us know that you plan to ride the bus.
If you are driving, there is off-site parking for volunteers off the Vernon Avenue exit in Azusa, and then you will take the tram to get to the float barn. You can see the map at fiestaparadefloats.org/volunteer.
What will I get to do as a decorator?
Earlier in the week, the dry materials, seeds, etc. are applied. Lots of straw flowers get hand cut with scissors to cover the float as well. The hardier flowers, greenery and flower arrangements will go on next. The roses usually go on last.
Decorating a float is a fun experience, but be prepared that there are times that get really busy and sometimes we are caught up or waiting around. Sometimes you will just be preparing materials to go on the float, other times the staff may be working on engine problems, animation issues or other priorities that may stop the decorating completely. Be patient and enjoy whatever assignment you get, come prepared to be helpful in any way, and to go with the flow. The excitement and joy of being at the float barn is contagious!
In general, the Torrance Float gets decorated in a timely manner and while there is some last minute activity, we usually don’t have to stay up all night to get everything done in time for judging.
The Fiesta Parade Floats decorating barn is an incredible experience, multiple floats are being decorated and there are thousands of roses, tropical flowers and other flowers being put onto the floats. The transformation during the week is fast and breathtaking. You’ll want to bring your camera and take hundreds of photos.
Should I bring or wear anything special?
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes that are comfortable as well. Bring layers so that if it gets chilly, you have a sweatshirt or light jacket to wear. Some years it is warm and other years we are cold, so be prepared so you can enjoy yourself. Some people like to bring and wear an apron with pockets to help keep cleaner and keep track of personal items while they are decorating. Many people tend to bring their personal items in a backpack and wear their backpack so they can keep their personal belongings secure and not have to worry about them in the whirlwind of activities going on. Generally, all supplies and tools are provided, so you don't need to bring anything special to decorate. You will be working with a lot of glues and natural materials, so plan on getting a little bit sticky and covered with natural materials.
Is there food if I get hungry?
The Torrance Rose Float Association has a hospitality tent and you will check-in at the tent when you come to decorate. Drinks and light snacks are provided throughout the day and evening. Lunch is provided for the day crew. There is food available for purchase at the decorating barn. No food or drinks are allowed in the decorating area, so all food and drinks need to be consumed outside.
Rose Parade Day
Early in the morning, the awards are announced and we hold our breath hoping that our float will be recognized for all of our efforts. A group of Torrance Rose Float Association members and friends will take a bus to watch our float in the parade. Tickets can be purchased in advance and include bus transportation and a parade ticket.
DO'S & DON'TS FOR DECORATING THE TRFA FLOAT
Here are some tips from our Decorator's Meeting:
- Credentials must be worn all the time.
- Suggest dressing in layers. The Barn can get really cold.
- Wear clothes that can get dirty; wear close-toed shoes
- Baseball caps or hats are encouraged to protect your head and hair
- At the barn there is no place to store personal items
What should I bring?
- Plastic gloves
- Rags
- Cameras
- CASH – for vendor food, pins, t-shirts
What types of jobs might I have?
- Sweeping, gluing, applying materials, cleaning, getting supplies, etc.
- There will be some downtime. Be patient until you are given a job to do.
- Scaffolding – you might be climbing, BUT NO moving the scaffolding.
- Age limit to decorate is 13 (dry days, too).
NO EATING OR DRINKING IN THE BARN
Who will train you?
Our Fiesta Floats Supervisor – June O’Neill (you will love her like we all do!)
Our Team Leaders will be your first contact
Timeline
- Dry Days – November 26th and December 3th -- you don’t need to be a member to participate in dry days.
- Decorating days – starts December 27th thru December 31st (or December 30th if we finish sooner).
- Bus leaves from Wilson Park at 7:45 am for the day shift/ 4:45 pm for night shifts for Decorator Days and from West Annex for Dry Days at 7:45 am.
- We request that all decorators ride the bus to Irwindale to Fiesta Parade Floats.
- Lunch is provided for day shift decorators; snacks and beverages are provided for night shift.