NM Road Runner Coyote 2009

Award and Exposure

2009-01-04T16:56:00.001-08:00

I returned to NM today to find out that the "Hats off to New Mexico -- Beep Beep" won the Bob Hope Humor award in the Tournament of Roses Parade. My husband Jim also said and recorded the float being aired on the Travel Channel and it was shown during the game. I know I had a great time and am hopeful that once again our great state can be represented.

The Final Day and a Half

2009-01-04T16:35:00.000-08:00

I know everyone was able to enjoy the parade and I took some time off. What a terrific group of volunteers. Gail Bliss, Mallory White and I left about 3:30 am on 12/31/08 took a couple hours to sleep and came back for the judging. Here is the finished float and Joe Micalizzi's group photo just before the volunteer appreciation dinner.

I took so many photos the last day that I uploaded them to a Shutterfly album that can be accessed with the following link 2009 NM Float final day(s).

Float Construction

2008-12-31T13:22:00.001-08:00

Day 5 -- December 30 -- Yes, I know it is the 31st, but I started at 7:30 am yesterday morning, came back to the hotel at 3:30 am this morning (Gail and Mallory) did the same. Only to wake up at 5:30 am to shower and return for the Judging. So I didn't load pictures yesterday. Several people asked me about float construction and saw these pictures and decided to add this. Note for next year... some of the other floats had a webcam and people could follow the entire process.

It starts with Design -- in our case Raul Rodriguez, an incredible designer.

Construction begins on the trailer and frames.

The form is then shaped with foam to not only shape the images but also insure there is

something to either attach or punch flowers into.

The designer then designate various area with paint marking pen, these are usually color dependent.

Finally, last but not least and not earlier than December 26 plant material must be placed over all exposed surfaces.

Day 4 -- Transformation

2008-12-29T23:05:00.000-08:00

Wile E. had to be moved to get the Pampas grass on his snout. Roadrunner's beak is finally completed and status is being placed on his body. The Golden Flax seed and Barley signs are up and orchids placed on straws for the top of the yucca plants. The first layer of greens is almost complete. Tomorrow is the 3 shift day as the float must be complete by 6 am on 12/31. I was interviewed twice by two local TV stations and the Tourism Department has been busy as well. Everyone is impressed regarding how many NM Volunteers we have. I will eventually caption the photos, but I am going to bed before my 16-20 hour day tomorrow.

More Day 4 Photos

2008-12-29T22:29:00.000-08:00

2008-12-28T22:12:00.000-08:00

Dominic and April Hoy at corn husk table

Connie Chavez and Vera Torres

Anita Gerlach with grass wrapping

Bobbi Baca working on Zia

Seed table, it's hard to believe

Mallory White Glues individual leaves

Strategicly placed big yellow Tourism Bus

Marian this is Beverly -- our behind the scenes Fiesta Floats contact

Claudia Mathes crushed split peas and white glue

In the Red Fiesta Floats jackets Eli and Ryan, the float Supervisors (Bosses and inspectors)

Day 3 --Straw flowers galore, glue on individual eucalyptus leaves, using a blender to get yellow straw flowers fine enough to get on a small (properly colored) Zia. Spiders covered with dark mustard seed now have a fuzzy layer of thistle seed. The yucca stalks now have corn husks on them and detail work continues on the signs. More great New Mexico volunteers arrived and the principal food vendor for the float decorators main chef is from New Mexico. The Big Yellow NM Tourism Bus arrived and all the float viewers will be walking right past it. Many of the decorators on the other floats having been asking about New Mexico and places to visit. Every one of the NM Volunteers have been terrific ambassadors for the Land of Enchantment. More Photos...

Sue Peterson with Golden Flax seed and Barley Seed Sign

Paul Gerlach with glue

Mallory White and Gail Bliss -- Strawflowers

Anita Gerlach trims something? For the stickers on the barrel catus, ouch!

2008-12-27T21:56:00.001-08:00

More Day 2 Photos

2008-12-27T21:36:00.000-08:00

Day 2 -- Flowers and Seeds. It was a day of putting split peas on barrel cactus golden flax seed on Wile E's belt, straw flowers with impossible glue. Pampas grass on the inside of the Wile E's ears. Yellow lentils on Roadrunner's beak, yes individually placed. Horrible thoughts of the very round tiny dark mustard seed to cover every inch of two spiders. Everyone comes by and immediately recognizes it as the New Mexico Float. We are proud that our state bird is getting attention. It really is a lot of fun to talk to all the high school students about New Mexico.

More Day 1 Pictures

2008-12-26T20:51:00.000-08:00

Wile E. Coyote -- Will he catch the Road Runner ----- Bud Watson Works on a leg.

Betty Watson creates a grass rope -------------Jeff and Debbie work with walnuts on the rocks

Day 1 -- Work Begins

2008-12-26T20:22:00.000-08:00

Well, six of the volunteers arrived and started to work right away, Debbie and Jeff Mills along with their son and of course Bud and Betty Watson. The Mills' worked on putting crushed walnuts on the rocks, Bud worked on covering the road runner legs with orange split peas, Betty and I worked wrapping dried grass (think grass skirt)around flexible piping that will be attached to Wile E's Cowboy hat. GiGi, who helps with Fiesta Floats every year offered great suggestions. Local high school students started the individual, yes, individual placement of split peas on the barrel cactus, no saguaros on this New Mexico Float. However, the Alaska float is being built in the same building.

Rendering of Float

2008-11-11T14:08:00.000-08:00

Beep Beep and an ACME Rocket no less

FIESTA PARADE FLOATS HOTEL AND MOTEL LIST

2008-11-10T18:55:00.000-08:00

Beverly from Fiesta Floats provided the following information

*Located along Parade Route
**Special rate for Fiesta staff & volunteers

Best Western Colorado Inn*
2156 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626 793-9339

Best Western Pasadena Inn
3570 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626 796-9100

Best Western Royale
3600 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626 793-0950

Comfort Inn – Pasadena
2462 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91107
626 405-0811

Hilton – Pasadena
168 S. Los Robles
Pasadena, CA 91101
626 577-1000

Holiday Inn – Sheraton Pasadena
303 Cordova
Pasadena, CA 91101
626 449-4000

Pasadena Inn
400 S. Arroyo Parkway
Pasadena, CA 91105
626 795-8401

Regal Inn Motel
3800 E. Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
626 449-4743

Westin (Doubletree) Hotel Pasadena
191 N. Los Robles Ave.
Pasadena, CA 91101
626 792-2727

Saga Motor Hotel*
1633 E. Colorado Blvd.
Pasadena, CA 91006
626 795-0431

Vagabond Inn*
1203 E. Colorado Blvd
Pasadena, CA 91107
626 449-3170

Embassy Suites Arcadia
211 E. Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91006
626 445-8525

Hilton Garden Inn
199 N. Second
Arcadia, CA 91006
626 574-6900

Residence Inn by Marriott
321 Huntington Drive
Arcadia, CA 91006
626 446-6500

Comfort Inn – Monrovia
1125 E. Huntington Drive
Monrovia, CA 91016
626 358-0430

Marriott Courtyard
700 W. Huntington Drive
Monrovia, CA 91016
626 357-5211

Double Tree
924 W. Huntington
Monrovia, CA 91016
626 357-1900

Days Inn
1533 E. Huntington Drive
Duarte, CA 91010
626 303-4544

Duarte Inn
1200 E. Huntington Drive
Duarte, CA 91010
626 357-0907

Roadway Inn
137 East First Street
Azusa, CA 91702
626 969-7957

Super 8 Motel – Azusa **
117 North Azusa Avenue
Azusa, CA 91702
626 969-8871

Nearby cities: Arcadia, Azusa, Covina,
Glendora, Monrovia, Pasadena, Rosemead,
San Dimas, Temple City & West Covina

Volunteer Fast Facts

2008-11-08T14:33:00.000-08:00

2009 New Mexico Rose Bowl Parade Float

Volunteer Information – Fast Facts

Well it is that time again to get ready to:

Promote New Mexico and Have a Great Fun

Schedule:

October 16 Unveiling of Float Theme

Oct 10 – Dec 15 Volunteers Submit Volunteer Information

Volunteers make travel Arrangements

Volunteers make lodging arrangements

Periodic Updates

Dec 17 Final Volunteer Packet and Credentials Sent via Hard Mail

Dec 26-30 Float Construction

Dec 30 Volunteer Party

Dec 31 Float Judging

Jan 1, 2009 Rose Bowl Parade and Rose Bowl Game

Float will be constructed in Irwindale, CA – Approximately 8 miles from the Radisson. Exact location provided in Volunteer Packet along with transportation information.

Lodging: A block of rooms is available at the Radisson Suites Covina, 1211 E. Garvey St., Covina, CA 91724 $110.00 + 10.05% tax per night. Ask for New Mexico Float Staff Block. Reservation deadline 12/5/08. Hotel phone: 877-653-8045 http://www.radisson.com/hotels/cacovina

Closest Airport: Ontario Airport. Directions from Ontario Airport to Radisson Directions ONT to Radisson Covina, approximately 20-25 minutes w/o traffic. Recommend renting a car if you don’t drive out.

Parade Tickets: Distributed at Volunteer Party. Must work at least 2 shifts to receive complementary tickets. Tournament of Roses Website

Game Tickets: Can be purchased from NMTD staff at Volunteer Party

Other Helpful information

Volunteers are responsible for their expenses
Volunteers must be at least 12 years of age
Volunteers will receive a T-Shirt, to help promote NM while working on the NM Float or other floats; however, it tends to be chilly (to help keep the flowers fresh). Previous volunteers recommend purchasing inexpensive sweats that do not return to New Mexico.

Questions: Contact Marian Vandersys Marian.Vandersys@state.nm.us or Bobbi Baca bobbibaca16@comcast.net