I’ve never been to the Rose Parade, in fact, I rarely even watch it on television, but two years ago I decided to volunteer as a float decorator. The company I donated my free labor to was a company in Azusa called Artistic Entertainment Services. Their only requirements to volunteer were that you had to be at least 13 years old, stay for at least a four hour shift, and bring your own scissors.
When I arrived, there was a large group of senior citizens working inside the warehouse on four floats: University of Oregon and University of Wisconsin (the bowl teams), Power Rangers, and Air China.
My assignment was outside in what is probably the employee parking lot, but I didn‘t mind because it was a sun-drenched December afternoon. They had set up several make-shift work tables out of sawhorses and plywood sheets. My job was to cut the stems off of eucalyptus leaves, cover the backs with glue and place them glue side up on a cardboard box tray. These green leafs, about the size of a silver dollar, would resemble scales and cover the body of the dragon on the Air China float.
My co-workers around the “work table” were an eclectic group for sure. We had a Spanish-speaking woman and her eight-year old son (so the 13 year old policy isn‘t very strictly enforced), a law student from the University of Wisconsin who was out here for the big game, and a chatty old lady from King of Prussia, PA who was traveling with an active senior group called the Road Scholars. I stood in between a quiet and polite Asian lady who never said a word but smiled and nodded a lot, and my favorite co-worker, Mr. Fellings.
Mr. Felling was on a field trip from the convalescent home. He arrived at our work station with the assistance of his nurse and a walker. He had one of his front teeth knocked out, cloudy eyes and a distant look about him, but Mr. Fellings turned out to be pretty good at applying glue to leafs. His nurse was very encouraging. She repeatedly said things like, “You’re helping out, Mr. Fellings, great job.”
The work was repetitive, but I liked it, it gives your mind a chance to wander.
For the first time in my life I looked forward with anticipation to watch the Rose Parade on television on New Year’s morning . When the Air China float came by, I jumped up to the television pointed at the back leg of the dragon, and yelled, “Look! Look!” I showed my wife and kids, “My leaves are right there on the dragon‘s back right leg!”
I felt a sense of pride in playing a small part in the tradition of the Tournament of Roses, and appreciation for the work that goes into each float.
Float decorating shifts begin today and continue through Dec 30th. To volunteer go to www.aescreative.com or call (626) 334-9388.