Gayle Anderson continued our series of reports spotlighting the work required to produce the more than thirty 2025 Rose Parade Floats. On Dec. 30 and Dec. 31, float builders and volunteers face the “Deco Deadline,” meaning all floats must completed before the series of judging begins.

On Dec. 30, Gayle took a look at the Rose Parade Float “Louisiana Feed Your Soul and Louisiana Saturday Night,” which features an alligator adorned with beads, carrying a Cajun dance hall and pots of boiled seafood symbolizing the food, music and joy that define a “Louisiana Saturday Night.”

And, the U.S. Army celebrates its 250th birthday on June 14, 2025 with a float titled “This We’ll Defend: 250 Years of Service,” which highlights the U.S. Army’s people with a look at their unique stories and contributions from the Army’s founding to today.

Also, preliminary judging will begin. The 2025 Float Judges are:

*Dr. Morgan Anderson, Ph.D. Morgan Anderson, Ph.D.’s deep appreciation for nature and education has provided her with a distinct perspective of botanical artistry. Uncommon in floristry, Dr. Anderson holds a Masters (Kansas State University) and Ph.D. (Texas A&M University) in Horticulture; she pursued academic research on floristry marketing and identification of botanicals as artistic medium (published in journals HortTechnology, Cut Flower Quarterly). To gain a diverse floral aesthetic, Dr. Anderson studied under renowned botanical artists: Jennifer McGaricle, Tam Ashworth, and Lara DeBroux. Additionally, Anderson co-created the supermarket line for Francis Biddle International and authored the Second Edition of Florists’ Review Design School. In 2016, she established The Flori.Culture; her company created botanical experiences and lectures as well as designed event installations.

*Brzeski Bill Brzeski is a highly accomplished production designer with more than 40 years of experience in film, television, theater and interior design. Brzeski has brought to life environments as varied as the underwater kingdom in “Aquaman” and the vibrant, gritty streets of New York in “Iron Man 3.” Brzeski’s feature film credits include blockbuster hits like James L. Brooks’ Oscar®-winning film “As Good as It Gets” and Rob Reiner’s “The Bucket List.” However, it’s his long-time collaboration with director Todd Phillips that has led to some of his most iconic films, such as “The Hangover,” “Due Date,” and “War Dogs.” For “The Hangover,” Brzeski received a Best Production Design nomination from the Art Directors Guild.

*Drew Rios Drew Rios, owner and lead designer of Rogue & Fox Floral Co, has been delivering undeniably authentic, unique floral designs for more than 20 years. Drew has traveled the country, creating for corporations like Microsoft, HBO, and Nike and in recent years, she has had the honor to create for the Grammy’s and the Oscars.

Join KTLA on Jan. 1, 2025, to experience the awe and wonder of the floats, bands, and equestrian units of the 136th Rose Parade presented by Honda. KTLA’s Pre-Parade coverage is from 6 a.m to 8am and then Leeza Gibbons and Mark Steines host the Rose Parade broadcast beginning 8 a.m.

Countdown to the 136th Rose Parade on KTLA

To learn more about Artistic Entertainment Services, visit: AESCreative.com.

If you have questions, please feel free to contact Gayle Anderson at 323-460-5732, email Gayle at Gayle.Anderson@KTLA.com, Facebook: Gayle Anderson, Instagram and Threads: KTLAChannel5Gayle, X (Formerly Known As Twitter:) KTLA5Gayle and KTLAGayle.bsky.social.

Gayle Anderson reports for the KTLA 5 Morning News Dec. 30, 2024.