Almost everyone loves a parade. There are many annual community parades in Arizona every year, which draw significant numbers of spectators. Several of these parades take place in the winter holiday season and there is a group of Rotarians currently looking into the possibility of constructing a Rotary float that could be used in multiple parades to bring a little extra recognition to Rotary and all of the great things we do in Arizona and around the World.There may be clubs in the Phoenix area that would be willing to contribute towards a float and be able to use it in their local parade. Parade entries can be made up of floats, float riders, walkers, bands, single vehicles, etc. A Rotary club could populate their entry with Interact students, exchange students, club or district leadership, or even a local honorary celebrity. Here is an example of some upcoming Valley parades that could contain a Rotary float, or Rotary entry of some sort:
- November 18, 2017 - Gilbert Days Parade
- November 23, 2017 - Fountain Hills Thanksgiving Day Parade
- November 26, 2017 - Tempe Fantasy of Lights Parade
- December 2, 2017 - Phoenix APS Light Parade
- December 9, 2017 - Glendale Hometown Christmas Parade
- December 30, 2017 - Phoenix Fiesta Bowl Parade
If it comes to fruition, the "Arizona Rotary Float" wouldn't be quite as spectacular as the Rotary Tournament of Roses Parade float built in Pasadena, California each year, but it could provide some excellent pride and recognition for Rotary clubs and our Rotary district if some clubs would catch the spirit. If your club might be interested in sharing in the support and use of a Rotary float for the 2017 holiday season, contact Rotarian Bill Beamish at rye5510@gmail.com. The first Rotary Parade Float committee meeting will be held at 9:00 AM on Thursday, September 14, 2017 in Fountain Hills.
Photos: past Rotary Rose Parade float entry, which we may duplicate on a smaller scale
Bill Beamish, D5495 RYE Area Coordinator 2017-2018
Email: rye5510@gmail.com
Website: www.rotary5495youth.com