Cal Poly's 'Jungle Jumpstart' Float Wins Top Honors at the Rose Parade
Cal Poly's float in the Rose Parade on New Year's Day took home the prestigious Sweepstake Award for the 'most beautiful entry' at the 137th Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena. This year's theme, 'The Magic of Teamwork,' was brought to life by students from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona with their imaginative 'Jungle Jumpstart' float.
The float showcased a unique scene with a robot being repaired by a playful ensemble of a monkey, frog, lemur, jaguar, and tropical birds. It was a sight to behold, standing at an impressive 53 feet long and featuring over 21,000 flowers. The attention to detail was remarkable, with the landscape incorporating coffee grounds, adding a touch of realism to the jungle setting.
KSBY interviewed Cal Poly's SLO team president before the parade, who shared an interesting fact: the float's landscape was crafted using coffee grounds, showcasing the university's creativity and resourcefulness. This unique approach to float design not only impressed the judges but also left a lasting impression on the parade spectators.
The Sweepstake Award is a highly coveted honor, recognizing the float that best embodies the spirit of the parade. Cal Poly's 'Jungle Jumpstart' float not only won the award but also showcased the university's commitment to creativity and teamwork, making it a memorable entry in the history of the Rose Parade.
