Farm Tour: Cal Poly Rose Parade Float Team

The 129th Rose Parade is over four months away and the Cal Poly Float Team is out touring farms and meeting the farmers “Making a Difference” – the 2018 parade’s theme. A theme chosen to honor and celebrate all of the people in our communities, who quietly and without desire for reward or recognition, act in selfless, generous and kind ways to aid or benefit others.

This year Cal Poly is once again committed to source at least 85 percent of their float décor from California flower farms and be recognized as "California-Grown Certified". During the last few years this project and the 'Learning by Doing' has expand beyond the campuses. Students and administrators tour farms that donate the fresh cut flowers and greens in order to see where and how they are grown.

Float construction work has already begun on both campuses. Cal Poly San Luis Obispo students are expected to move their half of the float to Cal Poly Pomona in mid-to-late October. Construction typically continues until right before Christmas. Students and volunteers then spend the week between Christmas and New Year decorating the float with flowers and foliage.

A big ‘Thank You’ to this year’s Cal Poly Float Team for visiting us this week. We enjoyed getting to know these enthusiastic designers and sharing a little of our 'Flower World' with them. Looking forward to seeing another beautiful "California-Grown Certified" float on New Year’s Day!