By Jenny Buford
The beauty and brilliance of the Elks U.S.A. float at the 2026 Rose Parade began weeks before New Year’s Day, inside the iconic Pasadena float barns, where dedication, patience, and teamwork transformed natural elements into a true work of art.
In the days leading up to the parade, 23 friends and family members from the Mission Viejo–Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 proudly volunteered their time to help decorate the Elks U.S.A. float. Their hands-on work began with the most intricate stages of float construction—carefully gluing seeds, beans, leaves, bark, and other organic materials—before advancing to the final and most anticipated phase: the placement of thousands of fresh flowers, each chosen and positioned to create balance, depth, and harmony.
As the float took shape, volunteers worked long hours alongside fellow Elks from across the country, sharing laughter, stories, and a shared sense of purpose. The result was a stunning visual tribute titled “Elks Care, Elks Share,” reflecting the organization’s enduring commitment to charity, community, and service.
When the float made its way down Colorado Boulevard on New Year’s Day, it captured the attention of spectators and judges alike. The Elks U.S.A. float was honored with the Isabella Coleman Award, recognizing the “most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony through floral design.” The award is one of the Rose Parade’s most prestigious honors, celebrating exceptional artistry, thoughtful design, and flawless execution.
Rose Parade Fun Facts
- The Rose Parade dates back to 1890, making it one of the oldest and most celebrated parades in the nation.
- Every float must be fully covered with natural, organic materials—no artificial flowers permitted.
- Many floats use tens of thousands of flowers, often placed just hours before the parade to ensure peak freshness.
- Volunteers contribute thousands of hours each year to bring these masterpieces to life.
A Tradition of Service and Pride
The Elks have a long-standing tradition of participating in the Rose Parade, using the national stage to highlight values of charity, patriotism, and community involvement. For the Mission Viejo–Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444, participation in the 2026 Rose Parade was more than a volunteer opportunity—it was a proud moment of service, creativity, and unity.
From gluing seeds to placing the final rose, the experience embodied the spirit behind the award-winning theme: Elks Care, Elks Share.
The Mission Viejo-Saddleback Valley Elks Lodge #2444 is celebrating over 52 years of service to Saddleback Valley Communities. It is one of 8 lodges in the Orange Coast District of the Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks (BPOE) whose headquarters is in Chicago, Illinois. The BPOE is a charitable organization with a 157-year history of giving. For information regarding Elks programs or Elks membership, call 949 830-3557
Photos Credit: Elks Lodge #2444
This article was originally posted on http://www.alisolagunanews.com