136th Rose Parade: BTS From florals to fun

Every year, thousands of people tune in to watch the stunning floats of the Rose Parade glide down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena, but few know the countless hours of sweat, smiles, and creativity that go into bringing those floats to life. This year, the National League of Young Men (NLYM) Mid Valley Chapter played a major role in helping with some of the most exciting entries; a few of their members even got to be part of the action firsthand. From florals to fun, here’s a behind-the-scenes look at how the boys from NLYM Mid Valley contributed to the beauty and spirit of the 2025 Rose Parade.

One of the standout floats this year was The City of Burbank’s “Having A-Lave Fun!”, where a group of dedicated NLYM Mid Valley volunteers played a key role in bringing it to life. They spent hours separating flowers from stems and arranging colorful petals for this vibrant tribute to Hawaii’s volcanic landscapes. The float featured cascading lava flows, a dozen playful baby dinosaurs frolicking among beautiful waterfalls, and a lush floral landscape.

A true crowd favorite, this all-volunteer-created float won the Outstanding Use of Animation trophy. It was a showstopper, with a massive, erupting volcano (complete with smoke!), a sea of stunning orchids and hibiscus, and a fiery burst of red, orange, and yellow florals. The NLYM volunteers worked tirelessly on the floral detailing, perfecting each element to bring this dramatic tribute to nature’s power and beauty to life.

Helping Dreams Take Flight: Volunteer Work on The UPS Store’s Entry
Meanwhile, another group of NLYM Mid Valley Chapter members, including our very own Coast to Coast reporter, Lisa Spalla, and her son, worked on the equally impressive The UPS Store’s “Helping Dreams Take Flight” float. Designed by Charles Meier and built by Artistic Entertainment Services, the float aimed to inspire youth and encourage them to dream big. It depicted a mother pterodactyl guiding her young on their exhilarating first flight, with wings sweeping over three erupting volcanoes and two real waterfalls cascading with hundreds of gallons of water—all brought to life with thousands of flowers.

This stunning float earned the Judges Trophy for Outstanding Float Design and Dramatic Impact, and it’s easy to see why. The level of craftsmanship was breathtaking. The volcanoes erupted with vibrant flower petals, while the delicate wings of the flying creatures contrasted beautifully with the dynamic energy of the scene. Thousands of flowers were used, including a variety of blooms to add intricate details throughout the design. It was a striking visual celebration of hope, youth, and the boundless potential of dreams taking flight.

The National League of Young Men: Engaging with Service and Community
For those not familiar with the National League of Young Men (NLYM), this service organization empowers young men to get involved in their communities while developing leadership skills, building lasting friendships, and giving back through a wide range of charitable activities. The Mid Valley Chapter, based in the Los Angeles area, encourages its members to participate in local events like the Rose Parade, creating experiences that foster teamwork, generosity, and creativity.

If you’d like to learn more about the National League of Young Men and how you can get involved, check out the official website for the Mid Valley Chapterhttps://www.nationalleagueofyoungmen.org/mid-valley/. It’s a fantastic opportunity for young men to be a part of something bigger while making a difference in their local communities.

As the National League of Young Men Mid Valley Chapter members continue their volunteer work, their involvement in the Rose Parade highlights the power of youth, teamwork, and service. Whether working on a float or helping in other ways, they’re making a real impact while having fun.

We’re already looking forward to next year’s parade—who knows, we might see even more of these young men creating something special!