Downey Rose Float Association wins Founders Trophy for best self-built float

DOWNEY — -- The Downey Rose Float Association won the Founder’s Award in the Tournament of Roses Parade this year for its float “Our Garden Railroad.”

The Founder's Award goes to the most outstanding float built and decorated by volunteers from a community or organization

The San Diego Zoo took top honors for the second consecutive year, winning the 2025 Sweepstakes Trophy for its entry "Friendship Across the Earth."

The float, designed by Azusa-based Artistic Entertainment Services, features the zoo's two giant pandas frolicking around their new home.

The Sweepstakes Award, which has been presented for each parade since 1924, honors the most beautiful entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.

The other winning floats, 23 in all, are:

-- Elks U.S.A.

"Cherished Memories"

Americana Award for most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions

-- City of Burbank

"Having A-Lava Fun!"

Animation Award for most outstanding use of animation

-- Boys & Girls Clubs of West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside

"Kindness is Free"

Bob Hope Humor Award for most whimsical and amusing float

-- La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association

"Rover Rendezvous"

Crown City Innovator for most outstanding use of imagination, innovation and technology

-- Louisiana Office of Tourism

"Louisiana Saturday Night"

Director's Award for most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral

-- OneLegacy Foundation

"Let Your Life Soar"

Extraordinaire Award for most extraordinary float

-- City of South Pasadena

"Seas The Day!"

Fantasy Award for most outstanding display of fantasy and imagination

-- Sierra Madre Rose Float Association

"Fiesta!"

Golden State Award for most outstanding depiction of life in California

-- Love 2 Yeu

"Journey of Dreams"

Grand Marshal Award for most outstanding creative concept and float design

-- Coding for Veterans

"Coming Home to New Beginnings"

International Award for most outstanding float from outside the United States

-- City of Hope

"A Beautiful Day for Hope"

Isabella Coleman Award for most outstanding presentation of color and color harmony through floral design

-- The UPS Store, Inc.

"Helping Dreams Take Flight"

Judges Award for most outstanding float design and dramatic impact

-- Cal Poly Universities

"A Lake Day with Scottish Animals and Nessie"

Leishman Public Spirit Award for most outstanding floral presentation from a non-commercial participant

-- City of Alhambra

"Good Day Dreamin' "

Mayor's Award for most outstanding float from a participating city

-- Visit Mississippi

"Mississippi: The Birthplace of America's Music"

Past President's Award for most outstanding innovation in the use of floral and non-floral materials

-- Western Asset

"Float Like a Butterfly"

President's Award for most outstanding use and presentation of flowers

-- City of Torrance

"What a Beautiful Day"

Princess Award for most outstanding floral presentation among entries 35 feet and under in length

-- Shriners Children's

"Hope Shines On"

Queen's Award for most outstanding presentation of roses

-- Trader Joe's

"Here We Go!"

Showmanship Award for most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment

-- Pasadena Humane/Hill's Pet Nutrition

"Welcome Home"

Theme Award for most outstanding presentation of the Rose Parade Theme

-- Rotary Rose Parade Float Committee

"On The Road With Rotary!"

Tournament Volunteer Award for most outstanding floral presentation of the Rose Parade Theme among floats 35 feet and under in length

-- Kaiser Permanente

"More Healthy Days for More Healthy Years"

Wrigley Legacy Award for most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design and entertainment

-- Trader Joe's

"You Are Invited"

Americana Award for most outstanding depiction of national treasures and traditions