Welcome: 2027 Rose Parade Theme Announced

The January 2027 138th Rose Parade® presented by Honda and 113th Rose Bowl Game® presented by Prudential has a team of volunteers who enable the internationally viewed parade to excel.

Wednesday, January 15th, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses® Association’s newly installed President Terry Madigan, announced the 2027 theme, “Welcome.”

The association also announced the new board and President, Madigan. The new board includes the announcement Brian James has been elected to Executive Committee and will serve as President in 2034.

"He has been a volunteer Member since 1993 and will provide leadership for the 145th Rose Parade® and 120th Rose Bowl Game® on January 1, 2034.

For more than 30 years, Brian has dedicated his time and leadership to the Tournament of Roses, contributing institutional knowledge to America’s New Year’s Celebration®. During his leadership tenure, he has Chaired Community Relations, Membership Services, Services & Properties, Special Events and most recently, the Post Parade Committee.

Brian has a lifelong connection to the Pasadena Tournament of Roses that began in early childhood, watching his father and godfather skillfully navigate floats down Colorado Boulevard. His personal journey with the organization continued with Pasadena High School, marching the 5 ½ miles as a sousaphone player in the last self-contained Pasadena Unified School District high school band to march in the Parade (1977), and later riding his horses as a proud member of The New Buffalo Soldiers. Recently retired from a distinguished career as a secondary school administrator, Brian is transitioning into a new role as an adjunct professor at a local college, continuing his commitment to education and mentorship."

In addition, the following officers were elected to serve with James on the 14-member Executive Committee each with heritage ties to the Tournament of Roses Parade.:

• Pam Knapp, Executive Vice President; her Great Grandfather James Carroll Sheppard was Captain of the Winning Tug of War Team from Duarte at the 1st Tournament of Roses in 1890 and her Great Grandfather Moses Sarkis Pashgian was Grand Marshal of the Rose Parade in 1915. – Pasadena Now
• Craig Washington, Treasurer " Each year we put on a parade. However, the challenges of each year are always different and new. But the satisfaction that you receive on New Year’s day from people you have never met from all over the world gives you pause that you are part of something special put on by high-quality people." Member Spotlight: Craig Washington - Tournament of Roses
• Jason Melillo, Secretary. "As some of you may know, I’m a long-term volunteer for the Rose Parade, and it’s one of those experiences that reminds you what community really looks like up close: early mornings, sleeves rolled up, and hundreds of people doing small, unglamorous tasks that add up to something unforgettable." Kicking off the New Year with a little glue, a lot of flowers, and a ton of gratitude. | LinkedIn
• Mark Leavens, President of the 2026 Tournament of Roses, serves as Immediate Past President. "He has served on countless Tournament of Roses (ToR) committees ranging from the Royal Court to his current position on the Executive Committee as secretary....'Like all organizations the Tournament must continuously adapt to stay relevant. Our Rose Parade content is constantly changing to bring in new creative ideas for floats and live entertainment that will enhance our broadcasts and in-person guest experiences.'

Re-elected to the Executive Committee as Vice Presidents are

Ruth Martinez-Baenen, Greg Custer and Jim Ciampa.

Pasadena Tournament of Roses President Terry Madigan announces 2027 theme - Tournament of Roses

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