Posted by Jackie Rapiardi on Jan 07, 2019
I had the pleasure of attending the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena this past New Year’s Day. Seeing these floats up close was on my bucket list. I was enthralled with all of the floats....but then came the “crocodile”! Rotary International created a float “Service Rocks” paying homage to Sir Elton John with his legendary hit "Crocodile Rock!!!” A total of 24,400 flowers covered the float. The Crocodile was 21 ft. tall, playing a rock-and-roll beat as his number one fan, a swamp snake, slithered and danced to the music. The crocodile even had heart-shaped glasses made from cranberries like Elton John’s signature glasses. The singer also inspired the classic keyboard top hat with stylish feathers. This was Rotary’s 40th consecutive float n the Rose Parade. The commentators talked about how Rotary “is known for service, literacy and peace.” “Service Rocks” encompassed Rotary’s love for community service and celebrated the Rose Parade theme: “The Melody of Life.” What a great experience I had! I’m so glad to be a Rotarian!