Over the New Year holiday, my husband Wes and I traveled to Pasadena for what became an unforgettable experience at the 2026 Rose Parade.
It began as a simple parade visit but quickly turned into a meaningful Rotary moment that connected my upcoming role as District Governor with Rotary International leadership on the world stage.
While exploring the float preparation area, we happened upon the Rotary Rose Parade Float in the middle of its final floral finishing touches. Even more exciting, we had the rare opportunity to meet and take a photo with Rotary International President‑Elect Larry Lunsford, who will serve as RI President during the same year that I will be our District Governor. It was a special moment of inspiration and shared purpose that highlighted the power of Rotary connections around the globe.
This year’s Rotary float carried the theme “Unite for Good,” celebrating the impact of collective action and the beauty of our shared planet. Its purpose was clear and powerful: to highlight how Rotary members everywhere work together to create lasting, positive change both locally and globally.
The float’s thoughtful design highlighted many of Rotary’s core causes of clean water, peacebuilding, environmental protection, and community strengthening brought to life through an uplifting scene set on the African savanna.
The float featured a mother tiger watching protectively over her cubs, tall giraffes and striped zebras standing watch nearby, a green snake coiled around a tree, a graceful pink flamingo, a mighty hippo, and a colorful toucan nestled among the branches. Each creature was a symbol of harmony, resilience, and the interconnectedness of all life which mirrors Rotary’s mission to uplift communities near and far.
As with all Rose Parade floats, the Rotary float was a masterpiece of natural materials. Its textural beauty came from red carnation petals, powdered rice, split peas, lentils, onion seed, and an assortment of beans, seeds, and grasses that were meticulously placed by dedicated volunteers.
Our visit became a reminder of the global fellowship that fuels Rotary’s mission. Meeting Larry Lunsford and seeing the “Unite for Good” float up close created a meaningful and energized start to my upcoming year of leadership.