In a building that’s literally in the parking lot of the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, a small army of Cal Poly students is swarming over a project which will be seen by an estimated 70 million people.
They’re building a 55-foot long float, which will be Cal Poly's entry in the 2023 Rose Parade.
"It is getting a little bit crazy," said Bennie Cruz, who is is the construction chair for Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. He describes the float:
"Our float is called The Road to Reclamation, which fits with the overall parade theme. Along the length of it, there's a giant fallen log. On top of it, are giant mushrooms, snails, and other elements like ladybugs. The idea is old growth, and new life."
It’s the only student-built float in the parade. For more than seven decades it’s been a joint project of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, and Cal Poly Pomona,
Josh D’Acquisto is the Rose Float Coordinator. "Cal Poly has been involved since 1946," said D'Acquisto. "Next year, we are looking at our 75th float."
He said the chassis of the float is built in two halves, part in San Luis Obispo, and part in Pomona. In October, the two halves are joined.
The project is a huge Cal Poly tradition. It gives engineering students a chance to use their knowledge for real-world challenges. And, it gives other students leadership skills.
Each university has a team of 20 students which works year-round on the float project. As work get underway, more students, alumni, and volunteers get involved. By the time it’s ready for the parade, more than 700 people will have worked on the float.
Annie Doody is President of the Cal Poly San Luis Obispo float team.
"There's definitely a legacy to it...you want to make sure you make everyone who came before you proud."
It’s the fifth time Cruz is taking part on the project. The Cal Poly San Luis Obispo student is not only overseeing his campus’ role in the construction, he will play a special role during the parade.
"I'm actually driving it (the float) this year....the first time," said Cruz. How fast does it go? "Three or four miles an hour...blisteringly fast," he joked.
The Cal Poly floats have stacked up well against the professionally built projects, winning more the 60 parade awards.
While the team says the float construction is in good shape, the craziest part of the work is yet to come. That’s the placement of tens of thousands of flowers on the float, something which can only be done at the last minute. Not only will the full team take part, but even some friends, family members, and volunteers from the public will help get it ready for its big day.
Then, it's time for lights, camera, and action, with hundreds of thousands of people getting to see the parade in person, and tens of millions watching around the world. This year, the float will get a prime spot as one of the first ones in the parade.
