“There is a lot of opportunity to have lots of different memories represented in various frames,” Commissioner Laurel Patric said, adding that the design fit into the parade’s “Friendship, Memories and Dreams” theme.
Float organizers are hoping to fill the frames with actual Glendale residents, instead of photographs, said Garry Ackerman, president of the Glendale Rose Float Assn.
The residents will act or depict scenes of life in Glendale going along with the parade’s theme, he added.
“I know the question always is when I come here, ‘How does this represent Glendale?’” Ackerman said. “The question is how does it not represent Glendale?”
Prospective float riders will have to buy a seat, he said.
This year’s float entry, he said, will showcase the city’s diversity and rich family ties.
Commissioner Richard Bennett, who gave the only dissenting vote, suggested getting the Walt Disney Co. to sponsor a Mickey Mouse character for the photographer.
The camera may also be too old to be recognizable to young people, he said.
“It’s artistic and aesthetic and has nothing to do with relevance,” he said.
Phoenix Decorating Co. worked closely with the float organization to create a suitable design to fit the parade theme, according to a city report.
The float’s design, construction and floral decorations will cost $99,000, which was accounted for in the Community Services and Parks Department budget.
The float organization is expected to raise another $50,000 to make up for construction costs.
Last year’s float design, “America’s Pride,” featured a 22-foot-tall soaring bald eagle as military jets flew over spectators in the “missing man” formation.
The design didn’t take home a prize for the city, but its 2009 “Sneak Preview” float won the Past Presidents’ Trophy for best use of floral and non-floral material for recreating of the historical Alex Theatre.
Since entering floats into the parade in 1915, the city has won 51 awards.
