Rose Parade
This is the fourth year I have attended the Rose Parade. This is Elena's second year. Everytime we have attended, we leave the morning of the parade and we get curb side seats. Sure, we are not at the beginning of the parade route but the parade still has to pass by us. The only thing we really miss by not being at the beginning of the parade route are some of the "special" tricks and features the floats and bands do for the television cameras. Since we don't have to camp out for a few days, it's not that bad of a price to pay.
This had to be the best Rose Parade trip that either of us have encountered. We have figured out a good way to get great seats, good parking, and avoid the traffic. If you follow our instructions, you too will see the splendor and smell the excitement that the Rose Parade has to offer.
The parade starts at 8:00am and you will sit about an hour down the parade route so make sure that you're parking your car at 6:45am. Get off of the 210 freeway at Lake Ave. and turn south. After about two blocks, there will be a Ralph's shopping center. Pay the $15 USD(free in 2004) and park in it. Gather your things and exit through the back of the shopping center onto Mentor Ave. Walk south about two blocks. Congratulations, you are now on the parade route! Now all you have to do is find a place to sit.
Walk east, into the rising sun, and find a place to sit on the south side of the street. I suggest this because some of the floats are made to be viewed from the south side of the street. I assume this because the biggest television crew is situated on the south side of the street. It shouldn't take more then 10 minutes of a brisk walk to find a nice spot. As you walk, you will notice grandstand seats. Those are for people who pay for a seat so try and sit in front of them since the people in the parade will do tricks for the people who pay for a seat.
Since the horses from the parade cannot use a toilet, use caution when walking back to your vehicle! When leaving, avoid the crowd that is trying to get onto the freeway and exit the shopping center through the side onto Walnut Ave. Travel east, away from Lake Ave., a few blocks and turn left on Michigan or Chester Avenues. They are little side streets so watch for them! Turn right onto Corson St. and when you come to Hill Ave., get onto the freeway.
If you follow these instructions, you will have a great time with no headaches. By the way, if you want to volunteer to build a float, pay for grandstand seats, or get any other information then visit their website.