PASADENA, Calif., January 1, 2026 — The Cal Poly Universities float “Jungle Jumpstart” has won the coveted Sweepstakes Trophy at the 137th Rose Parade. The student-built entry, depicting rainforest animals reviving an old robot, was named the most beautiful among the 23 official award winners announced Thursday by the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.
This marks the seventh time a self-built float has received the top honor and the first for Cal Poly. The parade’s 2026 theme was “The Magic in Teamwork.”
Who Won the Top Rose Parade Award?
The Sweepstakes Award, honoring the most beautiful entry for float design, floral presentation, and entertainment, went to Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Their float, “Jungle Jumpstart,” featured 21,000 flowers and materials like ground coffee beans and walnut shells. The award has been presented at each parade since 1924.
What Is the Full List of Winners?
The Tournament of Roses announced winners in 23 categories. The full alphabetical list of award recipients is:
- Americana Award: Travel South Dakota: Carved in Stone; A Legacy of Teamwork
- Animation Award: Kindness is Free, Powered by Boys & Girls Clubs of the West San Gabriel Valley and Eastside: Building Kinder Communities
- Bob Hope Humor Award: City of Alhambra: Bee Magical Together
- Crown City Innovator Award: “Shrinking” (Apple TV and Warner Bros.): We’re Getting There. Together
- Director’s Award: The UPS Store: Sharing Skills for Success
- Extraordinaire Award: San Francisco Travel Association: Believe In San Francisco
- Fantasy Award: California Community Foundation and Black Freedom Fund: Rising Together
- Founder’s Award: Downey Rose Float Association: The Glow of Achievement
- Golden State Award: Odd Fellows & Rebekahs: Together We Grow
- Grand Marshal Award: San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance: Giant Strides Together
- Isabella Coleman Award: Elks U.S.A.: Elks Care, Elks Share
- Judges’ Award: Sierra Madre Rose Float Association: Pancake Breakfast
- Leishman Public Spirit Award: America250: Soaring Onward Together for 250 Years
- Mayor’s Award: La Cañada Flintridge Tournament of Roses Association: Goin’ Nutz
- Past President’s Award: City of South Pasadena: The Great Picnic Heist!
- President’s Award: OneLegacy Donate Life: Treasure Every Moment Together
- Princess Award: City of Torrance: Together In Harmony
- Queen’s Award: City of Santa Fe Springs: Honoring the Past, Celebrating the Present, Inspiring the Future!
- Showmanship Award: Shriners Children’s: Building Dreams Together
- Sweepstakes Trophy: Cal Poly Universities: Jungle Jumpstart
- Theme Award: City of Burbank: All Paws On Deck
- Tournament Volunteer Award: Lions International: In Harmony We Serve
- Wrigley Legacy Award: Trader Joe’s: You Float Our Boat!
No award was given in the International category.
Who Judges the Rose Parade Floats?
This year’s judging panel included an award-winning floral designer, a former Disney executive, and a professional horticulturist. The judges were Cathy Hillen-Rulloda, a certified floral judge; Doris Hardoon, former executive creative director for Shanghai Disney Resort; and Chaz Perea, landscape manager at Dodger Stadium and a horticulture professor.
What Do the Key Awards Mean?
Key distinctions include the Sweepstakes Trophy for overall beauty, the Founder’s Award for the best volunteer-built community float, and the President’s Award for the most outstanding use of flowers. The Theme Award, won by the City of Burbank, honors the best presentation of the year’s “Magic in Teamwork” theme.
