PASADENA (CNS) - The floats seen worldwide on television during the 131st Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade can be seen up close for one last day in Pasadena.
The Showcase of Floats is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. today along Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards. Senior citizens and disabled visitors are welcome between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m.
The cost is $20 per person at the gate, free for children age 5 and under. Ticket sales end between 2:30 and 3 p.m.
Tournament volunteers in distinctive white suits will be at the venue to discuss the floats and the parade, officials said.
Parking near the event is limited but free shuttles depart about every five minutes and guests using it get to enter through a priority line, officials said. Shuttles run from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. from free parking at Pasadena City College, 1570 E. Colorado Blvd., enter off Del Mar Boulevard or Bonnie near Hill Avenue.
Shuttle service is also available from the Rose Bowl Stadium, Lot B, from 6:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. where parking is free.
Disabled parking is available at the Victory Park Recreation Center, 2575 Paloma St. at North Altadena Drive.
Metro is offering free shuttle service from the Sierra Madre Villa Gold Line Station to Post Parade Park from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. and back to the station until 5:30 p.m. Guests can take a Metrolink train from Union Station, get a free transfer to the Metro Gold Line and take the shuttle.
Those who find parking nearby can enter at the corners of Sierra Madre Blvd. and Sierra Madre Villa (East Gate), Sierra Madre Blvd. and Paloma Ave. (West Gate) and Washington Blvd. and Woodlyn Ave. (North Gate).
Security will be tight. Visitors will have all strollers and bags checked at gates and clear bags are recommended to make it easier and faster.
Skateboards, roller skates, bicycles, tricycles, Segways and wagons are not allowed and stroller use is difficult due to the terrain at the venue, organizers said. No animals, except service animals, are allowed.
Guests who view all the floats will walk about 2.5 miles over at least two hours and seating is limited so wear comfortable walking shoes. Free water is available at tree locations within the venue so guests can stay hydrated. There will be a limited number of food vendors and ATMs.
Brochures with maps of the post parade venue are available at gate entrances and Park-N-Ride locations.
American Sign Language interpreters will be available for hearing- impaired guests.
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