PASADENA (CNS) - The 131st Tournament of Roses Parade went off without a hitch in Pasadena on a beautiful New Year's Day morning.
With the theme “The Power of Hope,” the annual the 5 1/2-mile floral procession made its way along Colorado Boulevard Wednesday, led by a trio of grand marshals: Emmy-, Tony-, Grammy- and Oscar-winning actress Rita Moreno; Olympic gold medal gymnast Laurie Hernandez, who is also a children's book author and winner of the 23rd season of “Dancing with the Stars;” and actress Gina Torres -- known for her work in shows such as “Suits,” “The Shield” and “Westworld.”
“Rita Moreno, Gina Torres and Laurie Hernandez epitomize hope,” Tournament of Roses President Laura Farber said in a statement when the trio were announced as grand marshals. “Through their talent, efforts, persistence and dedication, they have achieved excellence and have given back to the world stories of hope, dreams fulfilled, dignity, respect and inspiration.”
Pasadena police said only three people were arrested, one for public intoxication, one for a vehicle code violation and one in connection with a restraining order.
The parade began after the traditional B-2 Spirit Flyover and an opening song, “Reach for the Stars,” written for the event by 19-time Grammy winner Emilio Estefan and sung by Ally Brooke.
Brooke, a former member of the group Fifth Harmony, was joined by Puerto Rican singer-songwriter Farruko and the Chino Hills High School drumline.
The parade featured more than 40 floral-covered floats, 17 equestrian units and 20 marching bands from across the country and around the world. Bands from El Salvador, Costa Rica, Mexico, Japan, Puerto Rico and Denmark made the march down Colorado Boulevard.
There was also a mid-procession performance by members of the cast of the musical “Frozen,” which is currently at the Pantages Theatre in Hollywood. The performance of the song “For the First Time in Forever” was led by Caroline Bowman, who portrays Elsa, and Caroline Innerbichler, who plays Anna.
The grand finale was titled “Where Flowers and Football Meet,” featuring rock band Los Lobos and social media musical sensation Alejandro Aranda, known as Scarypoolparty.
La Salle College Preparatory senior Camille Kennedy reigned over the parade as the 102nd Rose Queen. She was joined by the six members of her Royal Court:
-- Cole Fox, a senior at South Pasadena High School and a South Pasadena resident;
-- Emilie Risha, a senior at Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and a La Canada Flintridge resident;
-- Rukan Saif, a senior at Arcadia High School and a Temple City resident;
-- Reese Rosental Saporito, a senior at Marshall Fundamental School and an Altadena resident;
-- Mia Thorsen, a senior at Marshall Fundamental School and an Altadena resident; and
-- Michael Wilkins, a senior at Maranatha High School and a Pasadena resident.
The floats will be on display until 5 p.m. today during the second and final day of the Showcase of Floats at Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards.
Photos: Getty Images