The Rose Parade, A Beacon of Hope

On January 1, 2022, the annual Pasadena Tournament of Roses Rose Parade will kick off bright and early rolling down Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, California – making a colorful return following its cancellation in 2021 due to COVID-19. The pandemic-related cancellation was the first time the parade had ceased since World War II in its 132 year run, a disappointment for both regular attendees and the City of Pasadena itself.

However, this coming January is a return to form, with the holiday tradition scheduled as planned. As the live event attracts up to a million people, it represents a beacon of hope, signaling that large celebratory gatherings could be coming back to stay. Event Promoters have an eye on the event, feeling hopeful that events of this scale can be possible if the infrastructure is secure.

Safety Prioritized

The planning and organizing efforts focused on making the parade safe are greater now than ever. Before the pandemic, the parade hosted thousands of volunteers, who worked months in advance to coordinate with the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association and law enforcement on protocols for both audience safety and event organization. Over the 15 years that Risk Strategies has worked as a risk consultant and insurance broker for the parade, there have never been any significant claims, mainly thanks to the Tournament of Roses Association’s buttoned-up and structured system. All guidelines continue to adhere to local and state-wide laws, with an increased focus on public health due to the pandemic.

With the addition of substantial COVID-19 protocols for both Rose Parade attendees and participants, the parade can go on with certainty that health and safety have been fully prioritized to establish an equally fun and safe experience for all.

All ticket holders 12+ for either the parade or football game will be required to provide proof of full vaccination, or a negative COVID-19 test, taken within 72 hours of the event. To be considered fully vaccinated, attendees must have received a second of a two-dose series (Pfizer-BioNTech, Moderna, or another vaccine authorized by the World Health Organization), or be two weeks past a single-dose vaccine (Johnson & Johnson/Janssen). All attendees over the age of two will be required to wear a mask during the events.

Public Events Moving Forward

Just as comprehensive insurance policies have been set in place for past events like Pope Francis visiting Philadelphia in 2015, the Tournament of Roses is no different. The safety net of insurance has always been necessary when producing mass audience events, and the pandemic has made event coverage more important than ever before. Beyond providing protection throughout the year, coverage includes preparing months in advance with protocols and risk assessments for efficiency.

With everything set in place for welcoming in the new year with a parade of floats and marching bands, event organizers everywhere will be taking note of how it can be done successfully and securely. The public has needed catharsis that can only come from an event like this. We are hopeful there will be more to come.

Want to learn more?

Find me on LinkedIn, here.

Connect with the Risk Strategies entertainment team at entertainment@risk‐strategies.com.

Email me directly at jhamby@risk‐strategies.com.