Roses are red, violets are blue, New Year’s celebrations are also virtual.
It’s finally time to say goodbye to 2020 and play in 2021. And just as the COVID-19 pandemic will continue into the new year, so will the televised temporary solutions for major holiday events, such as the Thanksgiving Parade of Macy’s, “Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin ‘Eve” and, on Friday, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses.
Instead of the typical 5-mile parade involving hundreds of volunteers and thousands of spectators, the 2021 Rose Parade will be a smaller “reimagined New Year’s celebration” with celebrity appearances, musical performances, football highlights and “spectacular floats from years behind. “
In July, the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Assn. canceled the 2021 parade for the first time in 75 years before converting it to a safe alternative to COVID-19. Here is everything you need to know about the show.
What time is the show and where can I watch it?
Six networks – ABC, NBC, KTLA, Univision, Hallmark Channel and RFD-TV – will air the two-hour Rose Parade special simultaneously, starting at 8 am on New Year’s Day in the Pacific.
Who is hosting?
The actor Gary Sinise will act as one of the great marshals of the 2021 Rose Parade.
(Chris Pizzello / Invision)
There is no host per se – but celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse and actor Gary Sinise will serve as great marshals. The former will teach a class on how to prepare your favorite New Year’s cocktail, while the latter is set to receive viewers on the program.
Who’s showing up?
“One Day at a Time” star Rita Moreno will participate in the 2021 Rose Parade.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Along with Lagasse and Sinise, Friday’s extravaganza will feature cameos from Puerto Rican musician Daddy Yankee, “Shameless” actress Shanola Hampton, Olympic gymnast Laurie Hernandez, former NFL star Matt Leinart, former “Orange Is the New Black” student Dascha Polanco, “One day at a time,” stars Rita Moreno and Los Angeles Dodgers legend Vin Scully.
Who is performing?
Country singer Mickey Guyton will perform at the 2021 Rose Parade.
(William DeShazer / For The Times)
Yeehaw! In addition to martial bands and equestrian displays, the 2021 Rose Parade will feature musical performances by several country artists, including Mickey Guyton, Lady A and Rascal Flatts.
Also prepared to enter the virtual stage are Sheryl Crow, hitmaker Tori Kelly from “Dear No One” and the moving husband and wife duo, Guerra e Treaty.
What about martial bands?
Marching Storm Band from Prairie View A&M University performed during a previous Rose Parade.
(Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)
Don’t worry, Friday’s show will still include songs from various martial bands – even if they’re not march in the parade. A selection of senior high school and university students from around the world will gather during the show for a mass virtual presentation of “Everything’s Coming Up Roses” from “Gypsy”.
And who better to lead the virtuous youth as the conductor of the 2021 Parade of Roses than Caco, the Frog? It is not easy to be green – especially during a pandemic – but everyone’s favorite Muppet and ex-Marshal of the Rose Parade is ready for work.
Graduated students from the following martial bands will participate in Friday’s show:
- Arcadia High School Apache Marching Band (Arcadia, California)
- La Primavera Music Band (Santiago, Panama)
- Bands of America Honor Band (recruits from all 50 states)
- Downingtown Blue and Gold Marching Band (Downingtown, Pa.)
- Georgia State University Panther Band (Atlanta)
- Gibson County Mass Band (Gibson County, Tenn.)
- Hebron Band (Hebron, Texas)
- Homewood High School Patriot Marching Band (Homewood, Alabama)
- Los Angeles Unified School District All District High School Honor Band (Los Angeles)
- Mira Mesa Sapphire Sound High School Color Band and Guard (San Diego)
- Panthers marching at O’Fallon Township High School (O’Fallon, Illinois)
- Swedish Royal Cadet Band (Karlskrona, Sweden)
- St. Ursula Eichi Sendai Japan Honor Green Band (Sendai, Japan)
- Waukee Warrior Regiment (Waukee, Iowa)