We were thrilled to see our very own Patrick Eakes sitting atop the Rotary float with Incoming RI President Larry Lunsford. In addition to being a longtime member of Rotary Club of Crescent (Greensboro), Patrick currently serves on the RI Board of Directors as Treasurer and Aide to the Incoming RI President.
The 137th Rose Parade took place in Pasadena, CA on January 1st. For the first time in 20 years, the parade took place amidst pouring rain. However, the parade participants and attendees didn’t allow that to “dampen” their spirits. Instead, they donned plastic ponchos and enjoyed the festivities.
The parade featured the overall theme of “The Magic in Teamwork”. The Rotary float, for its part, utilized the slogan “Unite for Good” and included animals such as tigers and zebras created from thousands of flowers.
Since 1980, Rotary has entered a float in the parade every year. It is a massive undertaking overseen by the Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee. However, their hard work continues to pay off. As summed up by the committee: “Every element, from the cascading floral canopies to the dynamic animal poses, represents the strength found in community, diversity, and collective purpose. This year’s float reminds us that when we come together, whether in the wild or the world of service, there is Magic in Teamwork.”