Rose Parade 2026: Cal Poly Wins Sweepstakes Trophy
Rose Parade 2026: Cal Poly University made Rose Parade Day history as their student built float ‘Jungle Jumpstart’ won the Sweepstakes Trophy at the 137th Rose Parade. The rainforest themed design celebrated teamwork, creativity and craftsmanship standing out among 23 award winning entries on Pasadena’s iconic New Year’s stage.
What is the Rose Parade
The Rose Parade is a New Year’s Day tradition in Pasadena showcases flower covered floats, bands from around the world and horse units, drawing millions of viewers and launching the Rose Bowl festivities.
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Cal Poly Wins Rose Parade's Top Pize
The Cal Poly University float among dozens, earning the Sweepstakes Trophy for beauty, design and presentation at one of America's most watched New Year tradition.
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Rose Parade: A First Time Sweepstake Trophy for Cal Poly
The win marks the first Sweepstakes Trophy for Cal Poly and the seventh time a self built float has earned the parade's top award.
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What is the Sweepstakes Trophy
Awarded since 1924, Winning the Sweepstakes places Cal Poly at the top of the field and recognizing excellence across every judging category from artistry to execution and entertainment.
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What is Inside 'Jungle Jumpstart'
Lush animals, bright foliage and a weathered robot told a visual story of cooperation, echoing the parade’s theme through color, motion and careful floral detail.
(Photo: X | @Cal Poly)
How 'Jungle Jumpstart' Built
‘Jungle Jumpstart’ used more than 21,000 flowers, along with ground coffee beans and walnut shells. Judges praised the inventive use of natural elements, blending traditional blooms with unexpected materials to give the float depth, contrast and a handcrafted feel.
(Photo: X | @Cal Poly)
What is the Meaning of Theme
The 2026 Rose Parade theme is The Magic in Teamwork. From concept to construction, the float mirrored the theme itself, showing how teamwork across skills and backgrounds can turn ambitious ideas into reality.
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Who Judges the Rose Parade 2026
This year’s Rose Parade judges included Cathy Hillen-Rulloda, Doris Hardoon and Chaz Perea, each bringing a different professional lens to the scoring process.
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Rose Parade 2026 Winners Categories
The Tournament of Roses named winners in 23 categories. From humor to innovation, the awards reflected a wide range of styles, showing how different groups interpreted teamwork through flowers, motion and storytelling.
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Magic Johnson Leads the Grand Marshal
Magic Johnson’s presence tied the celebration together, underscoring how collaboration on and off the court, can create moments that resonate far beyond the parade route.
Photo: X | @MagicJohnson)
