They waved. They smiled. They basked in the glow of the Tournament of Roses.
The work, the fun, the chance to be in the Rose Parade’s Royal Court culminated on Wednesday, Jan. 1, in the 136th Tournament of Roses Parade.
And crowds showed the love.
Rose Queen Lindsay Charles, the 106th Rose queen, was joined by the court of six princesses as the royal float moved along on the 5.5-mile Colorado Boulevard route.
The Court:
Simone Ball from Arcadia High School, Saniyah Brunston from John Muir High School, Lindsay Charles from Westridge School, Lara Georgian from Mayfield Senior School, Kate Kelly from La Cañada High School, Lisette Parker from Maranatha High School and Natalia Pradhan from Flintridge Preparatory School.
Before the parade, back at the Tournament House, a few blocks from the parade route, the teenagers waited patiently in the crisp morning air to board their float.
That float has been described as a “floral masterpiece,” showcasing the elegance of the Rose Queen and the Rose Court.
It was adorned with intricate details — white mums, pink roses and delicate carnations. Vibrant elfin pink mums and heart-shaped symbolism were meant to exude the Court’s camaraderie and unity.
The Court members wore fur white stoles, each wearing teal-colored dresses, their tiaras gracefully illustrating their royal roles. Queen Lindsay wore white.
Each were escorted to the float, where they strapped in for the journey. And soon, they were off for 5.5-miles of smiles and greetings.
The court was named in October, and in November Charles was named Queen.
Jan. 1 caps weeks of service and engaging community groups as the Royal Court, not to mention a few practices of the wave.
On Wednesday, they lived up to the parade’s theme: “Best Day Ever!”
