Rose Parade Pushed To Monday Jan. 2

The 123nd Tournament of Roses Parade will make its way down Colorado Boulevard in Pasadena on Monday.

Actor, war hero and “Dancing with the Stars” champion J.R. Martinez will lead the procession as grand marshal.

Themed “Just Imagine …,” the traditional Jan. 1 event is being held on Jan. 2 this year to adhere to the Tournament of Roses’ tradition of “Never on Sunday” — a policy instituted in 1893 to avoid interfering with religious services.

It begins at 8:00 a.m. and you can catch it on News Channel 3. The 98th Rose Bowl Game featuring Big Ten Conference champion Wisconsin and Pacific-12 Conference champion Oregon will kick off later at 2:10 p.m. on ESPN.

The annual procession will include 43 floats, 21 marching bands and 26 equestrian units from around the world.

The parade will pass in front of thousands of spectators, many of whom will camp on the street overnight to secure prime viewing positions for one of the world’s most famous parades.

According to the Tournament of Roses Association, the first parade was staged in 1890 by members of Pasadena’s Valley Hunt Club — former residents of the East and Midwest eager to showcase the Southland’s mild winter weather.

The first procession included horse-drawn carriages decorated with brightly colored flowers, followed by foot races and jousts in the area town square.

In subsequent years, the parade festivities included rodeo-type events and even ostrich races.

This year’s parade will feature a wide variety of floats, including one marking the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts and one sponsored by the AIDS Healthcare Foundation honoring the fundraising work done by the late actress Elizabeth Taylor.

The parade will begin near Orange Grove Boulevard and Ellis Street, then move east along Colorado Boulevard and north on Sierra Madre Boulevard. The floats will then remain on display at Sierra Madre and Washington boulevards so people can see them up close.

Martinez was chosen as grand marshal because Tournament of Roses officials felt he was the perfect fit for the event’s theme of “Just Imagine …”

“J.R. is not only a courageous and engaging role model for us all but has dedicated himself to helping not only servicemen and servicewomen, but all Americans facing challenges,” said Rick Jackson, president of the Tournament of Roses.

“His outlook on life is admirable and we couldn’t be happier to have the chance to celebrate the New Year with him as we entertain the millions of fans around the world during the Rose Parade and Rose Bowl Game.”

For people attending the parade, here are a few tips:

Small barbecues at least one foot off the ground are permitted.

Tents, sofas or boxes that can be used as stools are prohibited, as are unoccupied chairs, bonfires and fireworks.

Items may not be sold along the parade route without a permit, and ladders or scaffolding may not be used as elevation for viewing.

It is illegal to buy, sell or give away horns on the parade route, and selling space is prohibited, as is throwing anything at the parade.