Live on Green Pasadena
White Suiters
The pageantry of the Rose Parade® and the Rose Bowl Game® takes a tremendous effort. There are approximately 1,000 volunteers who collectively spend about 80,000 hours each year making sure
that everything, from traffic to toilets, is perfectly coordinated forthe big day.
Since 1932, tournament volunteers have worn
distinctive white suits that make them immediately
recognizable in crowds as members of the
Tournament of Roses Association. Thus, they have
earned the nickname, ''White Suiters." Men and
women from all walks of life join the Association,
willing to give up many of their evenings,
weekends and holidays.
Isabella Coleman
Rose Parade® Float Designer and Innovator
Initially, new members are given routine tasks.
They might spend New Year's Eve patrolling lonely
barricades or placing ''No Parking'' signs. As they
move through the ranks, their responsibilities
increase and they may eventuallyl ead one of the
approximately 30 committees. er serving as
chair on several committees, the volunteer might
become a member of the board of directors.
From there, he or she could be elected to a
14-member executive committee and eventually
become President. The whole process takes
20-30 years, and countless hours away from
personal pursuits. The result is a contribution to
a magnificent show enjoyed worldwide.
