And the winners are…
Flower petal-decorated floats were awarded honors for the 137th Rose Parade with Cal Poly Universities taking top honors for their “Jungle Jumpstart” creation.
The float constructed and decorated by students at Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo depicts a group of rainforest animals working together to restore an old robot. The design features 21,000 flowers plus other materials including ground coffee beans, curly willow and walnut shells.
The Sweepstakes Award has been presented at each parade since 1924. It honors the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.
“Jungle Jumpstart” is the only parade float designed and built entirely by students. The project was a joint effort between California State University students on both the Cal Poly campus and California State Polytechnic University in Pomona, which are separated by about 250 miles.
This year’s theme was “The Magic in Teamwork.”
Did you have a favorite float? Here’s what the judges thought.
Travel South Dakota: Carved in Stone; A Legacy of Teamwork
Americana Award for most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions.
Kindness is Free, Powered by Boys & Girls Clubs of the West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside: Building Kinder Communities
Animation Award for most outstanding use of animation
City of Alhambra: Bee Magical Together
Bob Hope Humor Award for most whimsical and amusing float
“Shrinking” (Apple TV and Warner Bros. Television Production): We’re Getting There. Together
Crown City Innovator for most outstanding use of imagination, innovation and technology
The UPS Store: Sharing Skills for Success
Director’s Award for most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral
The UPS Store “Sharing Skills for Success” float decorated with seahorses in the rain during the 137th Rose Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2026.
San Francisco Travel Association: Believe In San Francisco
Extraordinaire Award for most extraordinary float
Getty
Getty A San Francisco float rolls down the route of the 137th Rose Bowl Parade on Thursday, Jan. 1, 2026,
California Community Foundation and Black Freedom Fund (Artistic Entertainment Services): Rising Together
Fantasy Award for most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination
The California Community Foundation and Black Freedom Fund “The Rising Together” float to honor victims of the Altadena, Pasadena, Pacific Palisades and Malibu wildfires features a Phoenix rising as it moves down the parade route in the rain during the 137th Rose Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2026.
Downey Rose Float Association: The Glow of Achievement
Founder’s Award for most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization
Odd Fellows & Rebekahs: Together We Grow
Golden State Award for most outstanding depiction of life in California
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Giant Strides Together
Grand Marshal Award for most outstanding creative concept and float design
No Award
International Award for most outstanding float from outside the United States
Elks U.S.A.: Elks Care, Elks Share
Isabella Coleman Award for most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony through floral design
Sierra Madre Rose Float Association: Pancake Breakfast
Judges Award for most outstanding float design and dramatic impact
America250: Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years
Leishman Public Spirit Award for most outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial participant
The America250 float “Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years” with a trio of Bald Eagles moves down the parade route in the rain during the 137th Rose Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2026.
La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association: Goin’ Nutz
Mayor’s Award for most outstanding float from a participating city
City of South Pasadena: The Great Picnic Heist!
Past President’s Award for most outstanding innovation in the use of floral and non-floral materials
OneLegacy Donate Life: Treasure Every Moment Together
President’s Award for most outstanding use and presentation of flowers
City of Torrance: Together In Harmony
Princess Award for most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet and under in length
City of Santa Fe Springs: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Inspiring the Future!
Queen’s Award for most outstanding presentation of roses
Shriners Children’s: Building Dreams Together
Showmanship Award for most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment
City of Burbank: All Paws On Deck
Theme Award for most outstanding presentation of the Rose Parade Theme
Lions International: In Harmony We Serve
Tournament Volunteer Award for most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade Theme among floats 35 feet and under in length
Trader Joe’s: You Float Our Boat!
Wrigley Legacy Award for most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design and entertainment
People ride on the Trader Joe’s “You Float Our Boat!” float in the rain during the 137th Rose Parade on New Years Day in Pasadena, California, on January 1, 2026.
