Design Contest Open for 2027 Cal Poly Rose Float
Have you ever wanted your work to be showcased on international television? This is your chance!
Cal Poly Rose Float is accepting submissions for the 2027 Rose Float Concept Contest. The deadline to submit entries is Feb. 5 at 5 p.m.
The competition is open to the public. The winner will choose between two tickets to the 2027 Rose Parade or a $500 cash prize.
This will be the 78th Float entry built by students from Cal Poly Pomona and Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. The winning concept will cruise down Colorado Blvd. in Pasadena, as part of the 138th Rose Parade which will be held on Jan. 1.
The theme of the 2027 Rose Parade is “Welcome…celebrating the simple joy of belonging—that feeling that you’re always welcome, no matter who or where you are,” said Terry Madigan, the 2027 President of the Tournament of Roses Association. “It’s the warmth of family—whether related or chosen, the love of good friends and the welcoming embrace of community.”
Submissions may be in color or black and white and no larger than 11-by-17 inches. There is no limit to the number of entries an individual can submit. Entries should emailed to Rosefloat@cpp.edu with the subject line “2027 Concept.” The body of the email should include the applicant’s name, phone number and email address. Entries should only have been submitted to Cal Poly Rose Float and will become the property of such once received.
Students on the Rose Float leadership team from both San Luis Obispo and Pomona will review the submissions and vote on the winning concept, which will provide the basis for the 2027 final design.
The Cal Poly Rose Float is the only student-built float in the Rose Parade and has won 64 awards. Their 2026 Rose Float, “Jungle Jumpstart,” won the Sweepstakes Award for the most beautiful parade entry encompassing float design, floral presentation and entertainment.
For questions or more information, contact:
Cary Khatab at (909) 869-3204 or at kkhatab@cpp.edu
Josh D’Acquisto at (805) 756-1182 or at jdacquis@calpoly.edu
Follow the Rose Float Facebook, Rose Float Instagram, and Rose Float X for news and contest updates. Happy designing!
