PASADENA, Calif. (January 1, 2026) – Today, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® announced the 23 floats awarded official honors in the 137th Rose Parade® presented by Honda. These awards recognize excellence in a variety of categories and specifications.
The 2026 Sweepstakes trophy, the most beautiful entry: encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment, was presented to Cal Poly Universities. This is the seventh time a self-built float has been honored with the Sweepstakes Trophy and the first time for Cal Poly Universities. Since 1924, the Tournament of Roses has recognized one participant with the Sweepstakes Award for the most beautiful entry, encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.
The 2026 Rose Parade float award-winners are (alphabetically): LIST OF WINNERS:
Scores are based on criteria such as creative design, floral craftsmanship, artistic merit, computerized animation, thematic interpretation, floral and color presentation, and dramatic impact.
This year’s judges – Doris Hardoon, Cathy Hillen-Rulloda and Chaz Perea – reviewed each float during judging sessions that take place during the decorating stages before the parade. The judges used their scores from the judging sessions to determine the trophy recipients. Banners for each award-winning float will be carried in the parade by select members of the Tournament of Roses Troop, which includes Gold Award Girl Scouts and Eagle Scouts.
FTD® is the official floral partner of the Tournament of Roses. The iconic American company has been a valued partner of the Rose Parade for more than 60 years. FTD® brings their exquisite floral vision to life on the antique cars used in the Rose Parade which carry the Rose Parade VIPs down Colorado Blvd., including the Grand Marshal, Tournament of Roses President, Mayor of Pasadena and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame Inductees. FTD® is also the sponsor of the Rose Parade Float Awards.
About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® and Rose Parade® presented by Honda
The Pasadena Tournament of Roses® is a volunteer organization that hosts America’s New Year Celebration® with the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, the Rose Bowl Game® presented by Prudential and a variety of accompanying events. The Association’s 935 Members supply more than 80,000 volunteer hours, which will drive the success of the 137th Rose Parade, themed “The Magic in Teamwork,” on Thursday, January 1, 2026, followed by the College Football Quarterfinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Prudential.
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