South Dakota Department of Tourism Joins the Float Lineup of the 2016 Rose Parade

PIERRE, S.D – On Jan. 1, 2016, the Mount Rushmore state will join dozens of floral-clad floats, marching bands, equestrians and other parade entries as they make their way through the 127th Rose Parade presented by Honda. With more than 700,000 spectators and 81 million television viewers worldwide, South Dakota is guaranteed to make a lasting impression on a global scale.  

The theme of the 2016 Rose Parade is “Find Your Adventure.” This theme has grown out of a partnership between the Pasadena Tournament of Roses^® and the U.S. National Park Service, and will help shine a light on the centennial celebration of our country’s national parks.

“Everything seemed to align perfectly for us to be a part of the 2016 Rose Parade,” said Jim Hagen, Secretary of the South Dakota Department of Tourism. “The parade theme celebrates the centennial of the National Park Service, and coincidentally, 2016 is also the 75^th anniversary of the completion of Mount Rushmore National Memorial, one of the crown jewels of the park service. The Rose Parade would not be complete without a float that features and celebrates Mount Rushmore.”

To build the float, the Department of Tourism has chosen Phoenix Decorating Company out of Pasadena, Calif. In the company’s 33-year history, it has produced 752 Rose Parade floats, and won 244 awards for its work.

“We are absolutely thrilled to feature the great state of South Dakota in the 2016 Rose Parade,” Phoenix Decorating Company and CEO Chris Lofthouse said. “We could not think of a better sponsor that fits the build of this year’s theme, ‘Find Your Adventure,’ than one of the most beautiful states in the union. Celebrating the majesty of the state, we are more than pleased on their decision to feature Mount Rushmore on their Rose Parade float.”