Blog > Inside the 2026 Rose Parade Float Build | Rotary Behind the Scenes
Episode Summary
On location in Irwindale, California, inside the massive warehouse where the Rose Parade floats come to life, Paul Ward goes behind the scenes with the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee—just days before the big parade. With hundreds of volunteers putting in the finishing touches, we talk about what it takes to bring Rotary’s message to the world through one of the biggest stages in public view.
This year’s float theme centers around “Unite for Good” and Rotary’s own message, “The Magic of Teamwork.” The committee shares what makes this float special (including a bold, colorful African safari/jungle animal design and Rotary’s largest float yet), how the float is funded, how youth and Interact clubs get involved, and why this project matters for Rotary’s public image worldwide.
Sponsored By
Pathway Escrow — Proud sponsor of On the Road with Paul Ward.
Featured Guests
- Wade Nomura — Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee (Past Chair)
- Raghada Khouri — Committee Member (13-year participant)
- Nancy Filkins — Committee Member / Floral & Float Design Background (Franklin, TN)
- Mary Lingua — Camarillo Rotary Club (youth/Interact involvement)
What We Cover
- Why Rotary participates in the Rose Parade (and why it’s bigger than a float)
- This year’s float theme: Unite for Good + The Magic of Teamwork
- The scale of the build: professional construction + volunteer artistry
- The real “hours behind the magic” (design, mechanics, and decorating marathons)
- How the committee selects the design and starts planning nearly a year out
- How Interact students get involved—and why it’s one of their favorite service projects
- Funding, sponsorships, and ways Rotarians (and the public) can support the float
- Post-parade viewing and how to see the floats up close after January 1
Timestamps / Chapters
- 00:02 — Sponsor shoutout + inside the Irwindale float warehouse
- 01:35 — This year’s message: Unite for Good + Magic of Teamwork
- 01:57 — Float concept reveal: African safari/jungle animals
- 03:38 — How floats are built: pros handle mechanics, volunteers bring it to life
- 04:45 — Raghada: “Rotary is the best-kept secret” (and why the parade helps)
- 06:58 — Nancy: floral design, committee involvement, and fresh flower plans
- 08:45 — Funding breakdown + how the float is supported each year
- 10:31 — Post-parade viewing + float tours and education for the public
- 11:12 — The International Presidents Summit (service org leaders together)
- 12:38 — Mary: Interact students, service hours, and how youth participate
- 14:13 — How the design gets chosen (renderings → finalists → final pick)
- 17:56 — Why Rotary does it: public image + millions of viewers worldwide
- 20:06 — Rotary pins, collectors, and how the committee is organized
- 22:37 — Wrap-up + Paul’s promise to keep spreading the good word of Rotary
Key Takeaways
- Rotary’s float is a global public image mission, not just a parade project.
- The real magic is teamwork: professional builders + volunteer community.
- Youth participation (Interact) makes this an incredible pipeline for future Rotarians.
- If Rotary wants the world to understand its impact, we have to tell the story louder.
Ways to Support / Get Involved
- Volunteer during decorating season (clubs often coordinate youth service teams).
- Explore sponsorship options (walkers, riders, shirt sponsors, and more).
- Attend post-parade float viewing to see the craftsmanship up close and learn how it’s made.
(Tip: search online for the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee to find participation details.)
About the Show
On the Road with Paul Ward shares the people, places, and stories that make our communities special—local leaders, builders, service organizations, and the behind-the-scenes work that fuels real impact.
Connect with Paul Ward
Paul Ward — Home & Ranch Team (Keller Williams West Ventura County)
Phone: (805) 479-5004 | Email: paul@homeandranchteam.com
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