Rose Float
Express your creative talents while representing Cal Poly in a long-standing University tradition. Students decide on an original float theme and manage the entire project. From design and mechanics to construction and decoration, Rose Float is an unforgettable hands-on experience for student volunteers.
Rose Float
Each year the Cal Poly Rose Float is invited to participate in the Tournament of Roses in Pasadena, California on New Year's Day. Students from both the San Luis Obispo and Pomona Cal Poly campuses work collaboratively on the Rose Float. The San Luis Obispo team works on the back half of the float from April to October until the two halves are combined in Pomona and the two teams become one.
Hours
Office
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Lab
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Rose Float Blog
Get Involved
Volunteer on the Cal Poly Rose Float team, be a part of this fun, hands-on experience and create memories of a lifetime. The team meets almost every Saturday, either in San Luis Obispo or Pomona, to work on the design, construction or floral aspects of the float. Get to know other students from San Luis Obispo and Pomona campuses, develop leadership skills and be a part of a historic tradition.
Deco Week 
The Tournament of Roses requires a waiver to be signed at the Cal Poly tent before entering the decorating area. This year, Cal Poly is requesting a $1 donation to participate in the decorating process.
If you have eight or more in your group you will need to pre-register. Interested individuals and groups smaller than eight require no prior registration and are admitted on a first-come-first-serve basis at the decorating site.
FAQs
When do the volunteers start building next year's float?
The process of designing and building the Cal Poly float is a 15 month process. In mid-January a design contest is held between both campuses (Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona) to solicit concepts for the following year's float. By early-March, a concept is selected and the design process has been started. Construction begins in mid-April and continues through December. The mad dash to the finish happens between Christmas and New Year's when all 2,500 square feet of the float must be covered in natural materials. After the parade, it takes three months to deconstruct the float and bring our half of the float home to San Luis Obispo.
Does Cal Poly grow all of the flowers for the float?
No, most of the flowers come from donations from various vendors throughout the state that have been generous to Cal Poly over the years including a very close partnership with the California Cut Flower Commission (CCFC). With the help of CCFC, Cal Poly strives to be a leader in float building by achieving the title of "California Grown". Cal Poly San Luis Obispo does have an on-campus flower field that has been used to provide some flower varieties, including marigolds and statice over the last 30 years.
Can I help decorate the float?
Yes, Decoration Week is the week between Christmas and New Year's Day. During Deco Week, as it is often referred to, hundreds of volunteer students, parents, alumni and community members come to Pasadena to assist with decorating the Cal Poly float.
Do I need any special skills or experience to join Rose Float?
No, students of all majors and levels of experience are encouraged to get involved. You can develop skills in animation, welding, hydraulics, automotive maintenance, machining, floral design and much more. The Cal Poly Rose Float Program is once-in-a-lifetime experience that gives participants the opportunity to develop professional skills and build lasting friendships. The Rose Float Lab is a place for people to ask questions and have a hands-on experience with the machinery and welding equipment.
