Rainy Day Parade: Magic Johnson Leads 137th Rose Parade

The 137th Rose Parade in Pasadena made history, not just for its theme, “The Magic in Teamwork, ” but also for the relentless rain that turned the event into a soggy spectacle. Despite the weather, the parade went on, featuring over 80 entrants, including marching bands and elaborate floats. The rain caused some last-minute changes, like the cancellation of the B-2 bomber flyover, which disappointed many attendees. The parade's grand marshal, NBA legend Earvin “Magic” Johnson, didn’t let the rain dampen his spirits. He rode in a convertible, waving to the crowds, even as the rain poured down. His wife, Cookie Johnson, shared his excitement, calling it one of the greatest moments of their lives. The parade also honored the survivors and victims of the recent Los Angeles-area wildfires, with floats and tributes that reflected the community's resilience. Attendees braved the weather in various ways. Some used ponchos, umbrellas, and even duct tape to stay dry. Carla Hall, a longtime parade-goer, camped out in her car to secure her spot, using plastic sheeting to keep dry. Despite the rain, she remained optimistic, saying, “This makes me extremely happy. It’s been part of my life since third grade. ”The rain affected the floats, making them look faded in places. However, some floats stood out, like the Cal Poly Universities float, which won the Sweepstakes Trophy for the first time in its history. The Star Trek float, featuring actor George Takei, and the America250 float, celebrating the U. S. 's 250th birthday, also caught the crowd’s eye. The parade also included tributes to the wildfire survivors. Pasadena Mayor Victor Gordo rode in a vintage fire engine with survivors and volunteers. The “Rising Together” float honored the 31 people killed in the fires, with 31 sunflowers representing each victim. The float also carried a sign demanding an investigation into the fires, reflecting the community's ongoing concerns. Despite the rain, the parade brought people together, showcasing the spirit of teamwork and resilience. It was a day of celebration, remembrance, and hope, even under less-than-perfect conditions.