Every New Year’s Day, Pasadena, California, comes alive with the vibrant spectacle of the Tournament of Roses Parade. Among the breathtaking floral floats that captivate millions worldwide is the entry from the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (IOOF) and Rebekahs, a fraternal organization dedicated to community service and goodwill. The Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float, a true labor of love, is crafted entirely by volunteers who pour their hearts into creating a stunning creation that embodies creativity, tradition, and the spirit of unity.

A Tradition Rooted in Purpose

Since 1890, the Tournament of Roses Parade has celebrated Southern California’s vibrant climate and abundant flowers. The IOOF, guided by our principles of friendship, love, and truth, has been a proud participant for decades, creating floats that reflect these values while showcasing nature’s beauty. The Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float Organization, incorporated as a 501(c)(3) charitable corporation by the State of California, is dedicated to providing an educational experience for the public by teaching volunteers to create and display a work of art in the annual parade. This mission is brought to life through the sponsorship, planning, design, construction, and decoration of a float that captivates nearly a million local spectators in Southern California and over 70 million international viewers via television.

Each IOOF float is a vibrant expression of our organization’s ethos, designed to promote a culture of caring, sharing, and goodwill through its themes. Whether it’s a floral depiction of clasped hands or soaring doves, our floats seek to elevate the character of humanity, spreading a message of hope and unity that resonates globally.

A Volunteer-Driven Work of Art

What makes the Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float truly special is the dedication of our volunteers. Every service, from designing to decorating, is entirely volunteered—no one is paid to work on the float or serve on the organizing committee. This selfless commitment reflects our core values of community and service. Volunteers, including IOOF members and supporters, come together months in advance to brainstorm designs that align with the parade’s annual theme, such as “Best Day Ever!” for 2025. From sketching concepts to sourcing natural materials like flowers, seeds, and bark, they transform a mechanical frame into a living work of art, meticulously covering every inch as required by Tournament of Roses rules.

This hands-on process is both a creative outlet and an educational endeavor, teaching volunteers the art of float-building while fostering teamwork and pride. The result is a stunning creation that rolls down the 5.5-mile parade route on Colorado Boulevard, leaving spectators in awe and amplifying the IOOF’s message of goodwill.

Spreading the IOOF Mission

The Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float is more than a visual spectacle—it’s a powerful platform for promoting the IOOF’s mission. Founded in 1819, the IOOF is dedicated to improving humanity through charitable works and community service. By participating in the Rose Parade, the organization showcases its values to a massive audience, raising awareness of its existence and attracting new members to the Order. Increased membership strengthens the IOOF as a whole, bolstering support for our affiliated charitable projects, such as Rebekah Children’s Services in Gilroy, California, which provides vital support for children and families.

Each float’s theme is carefully chosen to reflect ideals of compassion and unity, making a lasting impression on viewers and inspiring them to embrace our vision of a better world. This visibility not only promotes our organization but also amplifies its impact through community-driven initiatives.

Support the Cause

The Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float relies on the generosity of supporters to bring this stunning creation to life. You can make a difference today by contributing to the float fund! Visit the Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float PayPal donation page at http://www.oddfellows-rebekahs-rosefloat.org to donate—no PayPal account is needed, and most major credit cards are accepted. Your support helps sustain this cherished tradition and the IOOF’s broader mission of charity and goodwill.

A Closer Look at Floatfest

For those eager to experience the IOOF float up close, Floatfest: A Rose Parade Showcase is a must-visit. Held January 1–3, 2026, at Sierra Madre and Washington Boulevards in Pasadena, this event offers a chance to admire the float’s intricate details and vibrant blooms. IOOF volunteers are often on hand, sharing stories about the float’s creation and the organization’s mission. Floatfest is a family-friendly event with food trucks, live entertainment, and a festive atmosphere. Tickets are available through Sharp Seating, and free shuttles from Pasadena City College make it easy to attend. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes and arrive early for the best views!

Why the IOOF Float Matters

The Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float is more than a parade entry—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and compassion. In a world that can feel divided, this stunning creation reminds us of the power of working together for a common cause. It carries the IOOF’s message of hope and service, inspiring millions along the parade route and beyond. By educating volunteers and the public through the art of float-building, the Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float Organization fulfills its charitable mission while creating a lasting impact.

Whether you’re cheering from the grandstands, watching on TV, or strolling through Floatfest, the IOOF float is sure to leave a lasting impression. Its vibrant colors, thoughtful design, and heartfelt message capture the essence of the Tournament of Roses and the IOOF’s enduring legacy. Support this incredible tradition by donating today, and join us in spreading goodwill to all people everywhere.

For more on the IOOF and their Rose Parade floats, visit http://www.oddfellows-rebekahs-rosefloat.org. If you’re attending the Rose Parade or Floatfest, look out for the Odd Fellows Rebekahs Rose Float—it’s a vibrant gem that embodies the spirit of unity and charity.