10 Fascinating Facts About Cal Poly’s Rose Parade Floats
Featured Photo by Tom Zasadzinski, Cal Poly Pomona
Each year, the Rose Parade captivates millions with its vibrant displays of creativity and floral artistry. One of the most unique and cherished contributors to this iconic event is Cal Poly. With roots in both San Luis Obispo and Pomona, the university’s float program exemplifies the community spirit and innovative drive of the Central Coast. Here are 10 facts to celebrate Cal Poly’s remarkable Rose Parade journey.
1. A Tradition Born in 1949
Cal Poly’s Rose Parade story began in 1949 with their very first float, “Rocking Horse,” which won the Award of Merit. Since then, they’ve remained a beloved participant in the parade every year.
2. Entirely Student-Driven
What makes Cal Poly’s floats so special? Every design, build, and decoration is completed by students. This embodies Cal Poly’s “Learn by Doing” philosophy and creates a truly one-of-a-kind parade entry.
3. Pioneers of Innovation
Cal Poly’s floats are more than just beautiful—they’re groundbreaking! Over the years, they’ve introduced hydraulics (1968), computer-controlled animation (1978), fiber optics (1982), and LED lighting (2018) to the parade.
4. An Award-Winning Legacy
Year after year, Cal Poly’s floats bring home awards, showcasing their creativity, engineering prowess, and attention to detail. It’s a testament to the hard work and passion of their students.
5. The Only Student-Built Float
Among the dazzling displays, Cal Poly’s float stands out as the only one designed and constructed entirely by students. This fact alone makes it a source of immense pride for the university and its community.
6. 2025’s Leishman Public Spirit Award
This year, Cal Poly’s float, titled “Nessie’s Lakeside Laughs,” captured hearts with its depiction of the Loch Ness Monster in a whimsical lakeside scene. It earned the prestigious Leishman Public Spirit Award for its outstanding floral presentation as a non-commercial entry.
7. 75 Years of Excellence
In 2024, Cal Poly celebrated its 75th entry in the Rose Parade, marking three-quarters of a century of participation. It’s a tradition deeply ingrained in the university’s culture and history.
8. Collaboration Between Campuses
The float is the result of an incredible partnership between students at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and Cal Poly Pomona. Each campus takes on different tasks, like constructing specific sections, to bring their shared vision to life.
9. Hands-On Education
The Rose Float project is more than an artistic endeavor—it’s an educational opportunity. Students gain hands-on experience in engineering, design, project management, and teamwork, skills they carry with them into their careers.
10. Community Connection
Cal Poly’s floats are not just about the students; they bring the entire community together. Locals love following the progress, attending public viewings, and cheering on their favorite float during the parade.
Celebrating Cal Poly’s Spirit
Cal Poly’s Rose Parade floats are more than just beautiful floral creations—they’re a symbol of innovation, tradition, and community. For San Luis Obispo, they’re a shining example of what makes the Central Coast so special.
Whether you’re a longtime fan or learning about this incredible tradition for the first time, one thing is clear: Cal Poly’s Rose Parade legacy is something we can all take pride in.
If you’d like to see all of CalPolys floats from 1949 until 2024, check out the video below.
