FIRST FLOAT FOR TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE IN PASADENA UNVEILED

[Yervant1]

FIRST FLOAT FOR TOURNAMENT OF ROSES PARADE IN PASADENA UNVEILED

July 1, 2014 - 15:12 AMT

PanARMENIAN.Net - The American Armenian Rose Float Association (AARFA)
unveiled their first float for the 126th Tournament of Roses Parade
at a fundraising event in Pasadena late last month.

The January 1, 2015, parade has the theme "Inspiring Stories," and
the association jumped on the chance to be a part of it and show the
inspiring people and stories from the American Armenian community,
Pasadena Star-News reported.

"(The float) represents our culture," said Arthur Kokozian, AARFA
director.

To be built by Phoenix Decorating Company, the float will
feature themes and images representing the Armenian culture and
the contributions Armenians have made in the world, including the
United States.

"(The float shows) how we've given back to society, how we enrich it.

Whether it be the architecture or carpet weaving, the inventions, it
is meant to show the positive attributes we've brought to society,"
added Kokozian.

The colorful float features the head of an Armenian woman wearing a
headdress in the center under a bush of Armenian plums, also known as
apricots, and a tree of pomegranates, a symbol of Armenia. Bushels
of grapes, representing the discovery of the world's earliest
known wine-making facility found in Armenia, are also featured. An
old carpet-weaving machine and a carpet leans against a structure
representing the Armenian architectural style going back 4,500 years.

On the opposite side of the float are two men playing the duduk, a
woodwind instrument indigenous to Armenia. The round eternity sign,
white storks and the Armenian alphabet is also found throughout
the design.

"The design is beautiful," said Kokozian. "(Each association member)
had an input and we had historians make sure of the authenticity of
each item."

The float entry also coincides with the 100th anniversary of an
Armenian American, Movses Pashgian, chosen as the Grand Marshal in
the 1915 Rose Parade.

Prominent American Armenians with inspiring stories will also ride
on the float during the parade, including Judge Samuel Der-Yeghiayan,
a United States federal judge for the Northern District of Illinois.

"We're looking forward to doing this every year and showing the
community how American Armenians have given back to the country that
opened its arms to us," said Kokozian. "Anywhere (Armenians) are or
have been, we've succeeded."

http://www.panarmenian.net/eng/news/180383/
http://www.pasadenastarnews.com/lifestyle/20140630/american-armenian-float-to-debut-in-2015-rose-parade

 

 

 

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

Members of The Armenian Brigade M/C is proud to host a FUND RAISING POKER TOURNAMENT--100% of the funds raised will be donated to the realization of the AMERICAN ARMENIAN ROSE FLOAT...

JOIN US AND BE PART OF THIS HISTORICAL EVENT !

MSG me if you like to join in ill Find the best seat for you

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[Arpa]

Thank you Mos. That is a wonderful post. :ap:

Just who is Rose Bowl? Is she Varduhi Bovelian?

[MosJan]

Tournament of Roses Announces 2015 Float Judges

Els Hazenberg, Steven Wood Schmader and Eddie Zaratsian to Select 126th Rose Parade® Float Award Recipients

From STAFF REPORTS

Published : Tuesday, November 25, 2014 | 11:47 AM

http://www.pasadenanow.com/main/tournament-of-roses-announces-2015-float-judges#.VInXgMlGSQh

http://www.pasadenanow.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/2014-11-25-People-800x510-copy1.jpg
http://www.pasadenanow.com/main/wp-content/uploads/2014/11/2014-11-25-People-800x510-copy1.jpg

 

Tournament of Roses Announces 2015 Float Judges

Els Hazenberg, Steven Wood Schmader and Eddie Zaratsian to Select 126th Rose Parade® Float Award Recipients

From STAFF REPORTS

Published : Tuesday, November 25, 2014 | 11:47 AM
19

L-R: Els Hazenberg, Steven Wood Schmader and Eddie Zaratsian

The Tournament of Roses has selected Els Hazenberg, Steven Wood Schmader and Eddie Zaratsian to be float judges for the 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda. The judges will grant awards in a variety of floral and design categories that emphasize fantastic floral presentations (especially in the use of roses), creativity, imagination, beauty, use of theme, humor, dramatic impact and entertainment value.

Tournament of Roses President Rich Chinen will announce the winning floats the morning of January 1, 2015, at Tournament House. “The Rose Parade float judges bring diverse skills to the judging process that will greatly assist them in the difficult task of judging each of the incredible floral masterpieces that are designed, built and decorated by teams who put heart and soul into each presentation,” said Chinen.

About the 2015 Rose Parade Float Judges

Els Hazenberg, internationally known Dutch freelance floral designer, instructor and judge, has travelled all over the world teaching the art of European floral design and promoting the use of flowers at seminars and floral events.

Hazenberg has designed flowers for a number of events involving the Dutch Royal Family, including two weddings for the sons of Beatrix, and State dinners in the United Kingdom and Washington, DC. She was also a member of the team that decorated the church in Amsterdam where Queen Beatrix was inaugurated in 1980. Among many honors, Hazenberg received the Floral Nobel Prize at the 2002 World Flower Council Summit in the Netherlands, recognizing her outstanding work in the international floral world. In 1996, Hazenberg was honored with the American Institute of Floral Designers “Award of Design Influence” for the positive impact her creative work has made on American floral design.

She now continues her lifelong interest in flowers by studying botanical drawing and painting with Dutch, US and English artists. Hazenberg is a member of the Dutch Society of Botanical Artists and American Society of Botanical Artists. Her artwork is shown at galleries and art museums.

For 30 years, Hazenberg and her late husband, George, decorated the official vehicles in the Rose Parade. This will be her third time serving as a float judge for the Tournament of Roses – Hazenberg was a float judge in 1984 and 2005.

Steven Wood Schmader, CFEE, is the President and CEO of the International Festivals & Events Association (IFEA World), which celebrates 60 years supporting and enabling event professionals worldwide in 2015. He also serves as the publisher and editor of “ie: the business of international events” magazine.

Previously, Schmader served for 11 years as the President of the Boise (Idaho) River Festival, which he started in 1991 and grew to include the support of more than 750 sponsors and 4,000 volunteers. Simultaneously, he served as the founding President of the “Humanitarian Bowl” (now the “Famous Idaho Potato Bowl”) and the Executive Producer of the Boise 2000 Millennium Celebration, recognized by the BBC as ‘the top celebration by an American City.’ In 2000, The Idaho Statesman named him one of 10 influential individuals leading Idaho into the new millennium.

Early in his career, Schmader spent 12 years working for the international, educational and performing organization, Up with People, as their Director of Special Events.

In 2002, Amusement Business Magazine recognized Schmader as an “Industry Difference Maker” and in 2004 was featured as a “Profile in Event Leadership” in Special Events: Event Leadership for a New World. Schmader serves as the Director of the Event Management School at Oglebay National Training Center in West Virginia and architect of the IFEA World Festival & Event City Award, recognizing and encouraging positive city-event partnerships worldwide.

Eddie Zaratsian, the creative director for Tic-Tock Couture Florals and Eddie Zaratsian Custom Florals and Lifestyle, is one of the most sought after floral designers internationally. One of the youngest inductees into the American Institute of Floral Designers, his consistently beautiful designs and undeniable talent continue to amaze his impressive list of clients and fans.

Zaratsian is the go-to floral designer to some of Hollywood’s biggest names. For over two decades, he has been a preferred and celebrated artist in the recording, film, and television industries. Some of his noteworthy accomplishments include working with Oprah Winfrey on the launch of OWN, The Oprah Winfrey Network, and The Emmy Awards Governor’s Ball. Zaratsian’s work has also graced the pages of countless publications including Glamour, InStyle, Grace Ormonde’s Wedding Style, Harper’s Bazaar, Time, Ceremony Magazine and People. Fashion houses including Chanel, Christian Dior and Gucci have looked to Zaratsian for many industry events.

The London Financial Times named Zaratsian as the top five leading floral designers in the world. A showcase of Zaratsian’s talents can be seen in his book, Eddie Zaratsian: Custom Florals and Lifestyle.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade, the Rose Bowl Game® and a variety of associated events. The Tournament’s 935 volunteer members act as ambassadors of the organization within the community and serve on one of 31 committees that ensure the success of the parade and game. Collectively, they contribute upwards of 80,000 hours of manpower each year. The 126th Rose Parade presented by Honda and themed “Inspiring Stories,” will take place Thursday, Jan. 1, 2015, followed by the College Football Playoff Semifinal at the Rose Bowl Game presented by Northwestern Mutual. For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

[Yervant1]

I watched the Armenian float on KTLA tv station live, it was impressive to say the least.

Cradle of Civilization

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q3whaPeODoQ&list=UUFi0zEyZhtCej0dXJbjlvcA

Published on Jan 1, 2015

Congratulations to the American Armenian Rose Float Association for
being awarded THE PRESIDENT'S TROPHY, "for effective floral use and
presentation," at the 126th annual parade.

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade is seen by hundreds of
thousands of spectators, in person, along the 5.5 mile parade route
and by millions more, on television, around the world in more than 100
countries.

READ (online) about the sponsors & leaders that made this
unprecedented accomplishment possible: http://www.aarfa.org

And...
http://massispost.com/2014/12/american-armenian-float-to-debut-in-2015-rose-parade-on-january-1st/

 

 

[MosJan]

it was great !!! so it in person before and after

 

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

[MosJan]

only have one problem. #5 wan describing used "this nomadic people"

it was of the other nomadic people likes that we are in this situation now..

[Anoushik]

Yes Mosjan, I was also upset when I heard that comment. I turned to my husband and remarked that it seems those conmentators always have to misrepresent the Armenians somehow. I wonder how much of it is pure ignorance or even a bit of contempt.

 

I also saw it live yesterday. It's been years since I've awoken that early on New Year's Day. Having a toddler changes everything!

[Anoushik]

A bit unrelated, but I'm posting from my phone! This mobile version is so user friendly

[Yervant1]

I heard that too and told my wife about it, the announcer is a moron because with what intelligence does he say within the same sentence cradle of civilization and a nomadic people. How can a nomadic people be the cradle of anything, this shows the total ignorance or a political media bias. I guess we should have been used to this kind of garbage coming from them.

The nomads won the trophy.

[Yervant1]

First Armenian Float wins presidential award

17:13, 02 Jan 2015


The first Armenian American Rose Float Association(AARFA) won the 2015
New Year's Day Tournament of Roses' President's Award for most
effective floral use and presentation for their "Cradle of
Civilization" float. The float was featured in the 126th Rose Parade
along with other floats from around the area, the Armenian Weekly
reports.

The theme of the parade was "inspiring stories" to pay tribute to the
people of the community who "loved unconditionally, persevered
courageously, endured patiently and accomplished much on behalf of
others."

The "Cradle of Civilization" featured different aspects of the
Armenian community. The art display featured a sculpture of an
Armenian woman's head wearing a traditional Armenian headdress, as
well as an apricot and a pomegranate tree. A bushel of grapes
represented the earliest wine-making facility found in Armenia. The
display also included a carpet-weaving machine, a traditional Armenian
carpet, the Armenian symbol for eternity, and an arch representative
of Armenian architecture from 4,500 years ago.

Prominent members of the Armenian-American community rode along with
the float. These figures included the following: former Governor of
California George Deukmejian and his wife Gloria; U.S. Federal Judge
Samuel Der-Yeghiayan, the first Armenian immigrant federal judge in
the U.S.; actress Angela Sarafyan, known for her roles in the Twilight
Saga: Breaking Dawn (part two) and The Immigrant; internationally
celebrated lawyer Attorney Mark J. Greagos; former Pasadena Chief of
Police Barney Melekian; Coach Jerry Tarkanian, also known as "Tark the
Shark"; Flora Dunaians, a Pasedena resident and founder of Armenian
International Womans Association of Los Angeles; and Jill Simonian,
author of the popular "Fab Mom" blog.


http://www.armradio.am/en/2015/01/02/first-armenian-float-wins-presidential-award/
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JG2YVS9IpZA

[Yervant1]

First-Ever Armenian Float in Rose Parade
Showcases Heritage to Billion Viewers

By Harut Sassounian
Publisher, The California Courier
www.TheCaliforniaCourier.com

Over a year ago, a handful of young Armenians formed the American Armenian
Rose Float Association and embarked on an ambitious project that many
Armenians had contemplated for a long time, but no one had tried. They
decided to enter the first Armenian float in 126 years in the world famous
Rose Parade in Pasadena, California.
Around one billion people in over 100 countries watch this spectacular
Parade on television on the first day of each year. In addition, an
estimated crowd of 700,000 spectators line up along the 5.5-mile Parade
route, braving the record-breaking cold temperatures, as my family did on
January 1. Some even sleep on sidewalks overnight to have a front row view!
Soon-after the start of the Parade, viewers in Pasadena and around the
world heard the unmistakable sound of a blaring zurna and witnessed a
beautifully decorated Armenian float with thousands of flowers, accompanied
by a dozen elegant dancers in traditional costumes. The overall theme of
this year's Rose Parade was `Inspiring Stories,' and the Armenian float was
certainly inspiring with its fitting title, `Cradle of Civilization.' The
official catalog of the Parade published the following glowing description
along with a picture of the float:
`Welcome to the `Cradle of Civilization,' a float presented by the Armenian
community to share their centuries-old rich cultural heritage with the
United States and the world. The American Armenian Rose Parade float is a
showcase of the contributions Armenians have made to this great nation and
around the globe. Every item on this float, from the carpet, the tree of
life and the birds and fruits, to the eternity sign and the zurna,
symbolizes a specific aspect of the Armenian culture, including religion,
education, industry, music, dance and beyond. The prevailing color is a
specific red that is extracted from a worm found only on the mountains of
Armenia.' More specifically, the float featured storks, peacocks,
pomegranates, apricots, grapes, the Armenian alphabet, figure of an
Armenian woman with traditional headdress and costume symbolizing `Mother
Armenia,' and a partial church frame representing Armenian architecture.
The float was awarded the prestigious `President's Trophy.'
Riding on the 55 ft. long, 28 ft. high, and 18 ft. wide float were several
celebrities, including Samuel Der Yeghiayan (first immigrant Armenian US
Federal Judge), Gabriel Injejikian (founder of first Armenian day school in
the U.S.), Flora Dunaians (noted humanitarian and philanthropist from
Pasadena), prominent attorney Mark Geragos, television host Jill Simonian,
former Pasadena Police Chief Bernard Melekian, and actress Angela Sarafyan.
Amazingly, exactly 100 years ago, an Armenian businessman, Movses Pashgian,
was the Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade in 1915!
Even though the float cost $300,000 to build, it was well worth the money,
as Armenian culture, for the first time in history, was showcased to over
one billion people around the world, at the bargain price of less than a
penny per person! Just days before the Parade, the Armenian float
organizers were still $110,000 short of their goal. Fortunately, they
received a few more donations in recent days, leaving a current balance of
$90,000. Those wishing to help cover this deficit can make a tax-deductible
contribution by visiting www.aarfa.org.
Given the extensive TV coverage on American and international channels, the
Armenian float received numerous positive comments in the social media and
websites around the world. Some TV networks even commented that 2015
coincided with the Centennial of the Armenian Genocide.
Since Armenians regularly bring up the genocide issue in their interaction
with `odar' circles, most non-Armenians know that Armenian
are a victimized
nation, but are unaware of their rich cultural heritage and ancient
civilization. The world should know that despite the Young Turks' sinister
efforts to eliminate the Armenian people, they have succeeded not only to
survive, but to thrive!
This is particularly important for young Armenians who need to grow up with
positive role models to look up to and take pride in their heritage rather
than feeling like downtrodden victims who seek pity. The Rose Parade float
did a magnificent job in celebrating Armenian culture and promoting its
image worldwide.
Energized by the tremendous popular reaction to their participation in this
year's Tournament of Roses, the organizers pledged to have an Armenian
float in the Pasadena Parade every year from now on!

[Yervant1]

Glendale News Press, CA
Jan 7 2015


Intersections: Float celebrated the diverse Armenian story

Armenian Americans shared their heritage at the Rose Parade

By Liana Aghajanian

January 7, 2015 | 1:45 p.m.

In 1915, a man named Moses (M.S.) Pashgian became the grand marshal of
the Pasadena Rose Parade.

Moses and his brother, John, were the first Armenian immigrants to
settle in the Pasadena area at the turn of the 20th century, and the
rug business they established is still going strong today.

In a now 100-year-old photo from the Rose Parade, Moses Pashgian can
be seen sitting on a regal horse, with a top hat, bow tie and black
gloves, as the crowd watches from behind.

This year, a century after Moses Pashgian's involvement in the Rose
Parade, a float celebrating Armenian heritage was unveiled at the 2015
Pasadena Tournament of Roses.

Decorated with a stunning pomegranate tree inspired by the
breathtaking art work of local Glendale artist Seeroon Yeretzian, an
Armenian woman in traditional folk wear, peacocks, an intricate rug,
the Armenian alphabet and more, the "Cradle of Civilization" float
ended up winning the President's Trophy for "effective floral use and
presentation," a major testament to the work everyone involved with
the American Armenian Rose Float Assn. put into making a
once-inconceivable dream into a reality.

On Jan. 1, Armenian Americans of all backgrounds watched along with
everyone else as the float came down Colorado Boulevard.

The folk music blared, the crowd cheered and the float moved along
flanked by dancers in beautifully designed costumes. It was a proud,
goose-bump-inducing moment, one that became a symbol not just for our
presence in this country, but our history in it, too, which runs back
400 years, not just 40.

It was a chance to be in the spotlight for all the right reasons, not
just the ones which contribute to the warped and unbalanced opinions
of some, and lead to a sense of dread and embarrassment for others.

With thousands of roses, it told the story of an over 3,000-year-old
history, encompassing more than our rather brief stint in Glendale and
the tragic events of 100 years ago that often gets the most attention
and press time.

It said we are more than just whatever corner we've been pinned in
from both the inside and outside. We are diverse, with layered,
far-reaching and mixed identities and our contributions can be and are
meaningful. It's a testament to collective resilience and survival
despite pretty depressing odds.

This is an important year for the international Armenian community, as
2015 marks the centennial of the Armenian Genocide.

This float appropriately ushered in the year and perhaps created an
important turning point, one in which we can finally feel like we've
found a permanent home after centuries and decades of constantly being
on the move.

After so long, it's an appropriate year and way to finally feel like
we are part of this diverse landscape, too.

--

LIANA AGHAJANIAN is a Los Angeles-based journalist whose work has
appeared in L.A. Weekly, Paste magazine, New America Media, Eurasianet
and The Atlantic. She may be reached at liana.agh@gmail.com.

http://www.glendalenewspress.com/opinion/columnists/liana-aghajanian/tn-gnp-intersections-float-celebrated-the-diverse-armenian-story-20150107,0,3333445.story