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EXCLUSIVE Q&A WITH Bob Mellano EUNVEILING THE BLOOMING WONDERS OF THE 2024 ROSE PARADE
EUNVEILING THE BLOOMING WONDERS OF THE 2024 ROSE PARADE
Established in 1890, the Rose Parade stands as a cherished New Year’s tradition. For three generations, Mellano & Company has been a pivotal contributor, serving as the primary supplier of flowers for this distinctive and beautiful celebration. With each passing year, as the parade expands and the number of flowers increases, the dedicated team at Mellano consistently rises to the occasion, delivering extraordinary blossoms that captivate the crowds and adorn these iconic floats. Anticipated to be another phenomenal floral spectacle, the 2024 parade is fast approaching, prompting us to sit down with Bob Mellano from Mellano & Company for a Q&A session about this momentous event.
Q: WHAT IS THIS YEAR’S PARADE THEME?
This year’s theme is “Celebrating a World of Music: The Universal Language.” It’s an exceptional theme that lends itself to a broad spectrum of possibilities and I’m confident the floats will showcase a beautiful and creative interpretation of it.
Q: HOW IMPORTANT IS THE PARADE TO MELLANO & COMPANY AND THE OLAFM?
The parade is a cornerstone event not only for Mellano & Company but also for the entire OLAFM. While the rest of the world is slowing down to celebrate Christmas, our team is gearing up to service our customers for the Rose Parade. As we take in deliveries and get to work, it’s a well-choreographed performance that is exhausting yet we love being part of it.
Q: WHAT ARE SOME OF THE OLD TRADITIONS THAT CONTINUE?
Of course, the parade’s main attraction, roses, will be featured. However, there is also the longstanding tradition about the floats in which every inch must be covered with flowers or other natural materials. This is an essential custom, not only because it enhances the beauty of the floats, but also because it distinguishes this parade from all others across the world. It is a unique tradition that defines the Rose Parade.
Q: WHAT TYPES OF FLOWERS CAN WE EXPECT TO SEE AN ABUNDANCE OF IN THIS YEAR’S PARADE?
You can always expect to see an abundance of carnations and chrysanthemums. They are the hardiest flowers, they last a long time, and they come in an array of colors and sizes that work well for so many purposes. Likewise, there will be roses, pom poms, marigolds, strawflowers, statice, eucalyptus, anthuriums, iris, sprengerii, and much more. The parade is an enormous mixed bouquet!
Q: WHAT IS THE MOST UNUSUAL USE OF FLOWERS TO WATCH FOR?
That’s a difficult question to answer since, when you think about it, everything is somewhat unusual. With flowers or other natural materials covering every inch of every float, the most unconventional application is up to the imagination of the float designers and the artists creating them. Seeds, seaweed, fruit, rice, you name it, each float is a masterpiece full of innovative uses for flowers and other natural materials.
Q: WHAT FLOATS/BRANDS ARE WORKING WITH THE OLAFM?
We are honored to once again be providing flowers for more than half of the parade’s entries. Likewise, the OLAFM is a major supplier to many entries. From the City of South Pasadena to the City of Downey, the City of Sierra Madre to Cal Poly University. Similarly, we supply Fiesta Float Company and Artistic Entertainment Services which works with numerous big names such as Snapchat, Blue Diamond, Honda, NASCAR, Aids Foundation, and Kaiser Permanente, among others. This collaborative effort ensures that our flowers will take center stage, prominently adorning the entries of the 2024 Rose Parade.
Q: ARE THERE ANY SURPRISES?
There are always surprises and last-minute changes, it’s the nature of the parade. That being said, I think the biggest surprise, if that’s what you can call it, will be seeing the sheer creativity and imagination infused into the floats. Observing how designers intricately weave this incredible themecelebrating a world of music with flowers – into their creations will be astonishing. The anticipation of the artistic floral display never fails to amaze me.
As the excitement builds for the 135th Rose Parade, on January 1, 2024, at 8 AM Pacific time, anticipation is high for the spectacular floral wonders. Be sure to keep an eye out for the vibrant blooms provided by Mellano & Company and the OLAFM adding a touch of floral magic to the entries. Get ready to greet 2024 with a burst of color and creativity, as these floral experts make the 2024 Rose Parade another unforgettable experience.
