On January 1, 2014 the world will tune in to watch the 125th Annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade. This year’s theme “Dreams Come True” certainly holds true for the City of Burbank because we have the honor of GARRY MARSHALL riding on our float! This will be Burbank’s 82nd entry for the Rose Parade; it will depict a working movie set complete with props, sets, filming equipment and a villain, damsel in distress, hero, horse, even a train! Widely known for directing blockbuster movies such as “Pretty Woman” and “The Princess Diaries” as well as creating beloved hit shows like “Happy Days” and “Laverne & Shirley” Marshall will be capturing all the action as the Director on the float. And just announced: his son, Scott Marshall (“Keeping Up with the Steins”) will be riding along side him!

”Having Garry Marshall on the float is a dream come true for me and our Association,” comments Steven Edward, Vice President – Float, Burbank Tournament of Roses Association. “This will definitely be one of our most memorable!”

“Somebody recently asked me if I have anything left on my bucket list,” Marshall grins. “Suddenly, this came up…it’s one of the biggest parades ever. It’s shown internationally so somebody that saw ‘Pretty Woman’ in India is going to see me in the parade!” Then he adds, “Plus I am representing Burbank, where my Theatre is!” He, of course, is referring to his gem the Falcon Theatre, where the sold-out “Walkin’ in a Winter One-Hit-Wonderland” is currently being performed by The Troubadours Theater Company, directed by Matt Walker.

The week prior to the parade is dubbed “Deco Week.” The float is built and decorated at the Burbank Water and Power yard. “This is when it all finally comes together,” Edward explains. “All of our dedicated volunteers and supervisors are working very hard!” On December 30th and 31st Burbank’s float will be evaluated by three parade judges and the public is welcome to watch as they inspect it. Marshall will also be there on the 31st.

“I remember seeing the Parade and the Rose Bowl game on TV as a kid growing up in New York and I noticed the sun was shining there while I was freezing!” Marshall laughs. “I am very happy because my kids and grandchildren will all be sitting in the stands to see me ride on the float.” He is even giving up attending the Lakers game on New Year’s Eve to get up at 3:30 a.m. to participate in the Parade!

If you miss the opportunity to view the Burbank float prior to its appearance on television, the Post Parade Viewing will take place in Pasadena on January 1st and 2nd, and then it will be available in Burbank on the corner of Olive and Glenoaks on January 3rd through the 6th. The Burbank Farmer’s Market will be located in the adjacent parking on Saturday, January 4th.

Interested in seeing how a float is built? Edward encourages everyone to help at their annual Float De-Construction Work Party and BBQ, Saturday, January 11th at the Float Site. The 2015 Design Contest has also been launched and is open to anyone, anywhere. Information and entry forms are online (see below).

If you would like to help decorate the float, attend the judging or help with the deconstruction, all are taking place at Burbank Water and Power yard at 123 W. Olive Ave, Burbank, CA 91502.

Please call or visit www.BurbankRoseFloat.com for exact schedules.

Parking is available at the Metrolink parking lot at 5 W. Olive Avenue.

For info on upcoming shows at the Falcon Theatre call , www.falcontheatre.com.