PASADENA — For the second year in a row American Armenian Rose Float Association participated in the annual New Year’s Tournament of Roses parade in Pasadena with a float titled “Discover Armenia”
The theme of this year’s parade, “Know Your Adventure,” was inspired by the centennial of the National Park Service in 2016. The grand marshal was documentary filmmaker Ken Burns, who produced the Emmy-award winning series, “The National Parks: America’s Best Idea.”
This year’s float, “Discover Armenia,” decorated with 16,000 flowers and decked in natural materials such as dark grey poppy seeds, onion seeds, black onion powder, ground split peas and ground oregano depicted “Mother Armenia” welcoming visitors, as well as Erebuni Sphinx Urartu Civilization, Zvartnots Cathedral, Hin Jugha Khachkar Cemetery, Garni Gorge, Temple of Garni, Gavazan Swinging Column, Tatev Monastery, Yerevan Cascade Fountain, Sardarpat Memorial, Tsiternakaberd Genocide Memorial, “We are the Mountains” Monument, Hin Jugha Ram Tombstone, Jermuk Waterfalls, Ughtasar Petroglyphs Rock Carvings and Armenian Breed Dog “Gamper” showcasing the history and beauty of Armenia.
While traveling through the parade route, white doves were released and the sound of traditional Armenian music filled the air.
Celebrities riding on the float included Sona Movsesian, who was instrumental in encouraging Conan O’Brien to film a recent show in Armenia; KTLA Channel 5 reporter Ellina Abovian; KTTV Channel 11 anchor Araksya Karapetyan; Armenia National team football player Yura Movsisyan and Armenian Observer weekly editor Osheen Keshishian.
