Leave it to Peggy O'Leary, a South Pasadena resident, to take care of a messy situation every New Year! That’s because she is notorious for returning every year as the pooper scooper at the parade. Although, she is not involved with the Tournament of Roses, she has not missed a single parade since she signed up to volunteer over thirty years ago, but that took hit when the world was dealing with the pandemic.
From the moment she arrives, she links up with her team and is ready to pick up the droppings left behind by the horses that stroll through the streets of Pasadena. Since the parade is being filmed live, her team's goal is to scoop up the poop quickly and discreetly, without being filmed doing so. According to Oc Register, “while the Rose Parade’s worldwide audience may not see them, the scoopers ham it up for their live audience. O’Leary bows after each pickup, and the crowds shower her with applause.”