Award and Exposure

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

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

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

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

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!