Santa Monica wants residents to help build its first Rose Parade float in nearly five decades.
The city is calling on the community to volunteer, dedicate roses and donate toward its "Waves of Welcome" entry in the 138th Rose Parade on Jan. 1, 2027, according to the city’s Nov. 9 announcement. It is Santa Monica's first float since 1979, the city said.
Artistic Entertainment Services designed the entry around Santa Monica’s coastline and Pier attractions, including its solar-powered Ferris wheel and carousel. The city says sustainability is a focus. The design debuted at the 2026 State of the City event.
City Council members present voted unanimously June 9 to authorize a contract of up to $650,000 with Artistic Entertainment Services, the Santa Monica Daily Press reported. The city says it aims to cover the float’s expenses through sponsorships, donations and partnerships.
"Every New Year's Day, my family watched the Rose Parade," Mayor Caroline Torosis said in the city's announcement. "My parents grew up in Montreal and would talk about watching it in the dead of winter, dreaming of life in California. That's the power of this parade: it tells the world who we are and invites them in."
Torosis urged residents to pitch in. "So come glue a petal, make a donation, and put your hands on something the whole world will see," she said.
Residents can get involved in several ways, the city said: dedicate a rose with a special message, volunteer to help decorate, make a donation or become a sponsor. The city listed five sponsorship levels, including options to walk alongside the float or ride on it.
After the parade, spectators can view the float up close at Floatfest, running Jan. 1-3. Details on volunteering, rose dedications and sponsorships are available on the city's Rose Parade page.
