'Occupy the Rose Parade' Plans to Form Human Float, Slip Into Parade Lineup

By Simone Wilson Wed., Nov. 9 2011 at 10:00 AM

OWS got puns.

Ah, the Rose Parade. That fresh, floral, ferociously American march of Girl Scouts and City Councilmembers and high-school tuba nerds -- who, every New Year's, make Pasadena's main drag into a 1950s-era celebration of tissue-paper patriotism, and the center of the televised nation.

What better locale, then, for the indefatigable Occupy Wall Street movement to remind the masses, over three months into the "We are the 99 percent" protests...

... that they're far from satisfied? (Assuming, safely, that Obama doesn't up-end the corporately funded political system by then.) Especially since OWS has already hinted it'll be heading west to Occupy L.A. headquarters for the winter months.

But these rebels aren't above a little traditional fanfare. From OccupyTheRoseParade.org:

"In addition to street occupation and other strategies, we will be building a 'OccupyWallStreet' Human Float. Also: Bands, banner drops, dancers, clowns, old cars, impromptu marching bands -- 'This is What Democracy Looks Like', Flag gals/men, etc."

Organizers have set a turnout goal of 40,000.

We're guessing the human float hasn't obtained an official permit, mostly because that would kind of defeat the point. A Rose Parade spokeswoman tells us the event's executive director won't be able to get back to us until tomorrow; however, she says the OWS plan is "not a surprise" to parade organizers.

"It's definitely in the news," she adds. (The Canada Free Press included, oddly enough.)

The only part of Occupy the Rose Parade that would really run into trouble would be the float, from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. on January 2. As noted by the protest's website, "curbside camping on the parade route is allowed beginning at noon the day before the parade," albeit sans tents. Totally in their element and everything!

We've got to say, the whole Occupy [Insert Proper Noun Here] joke has gotten pretty old -- accelerated by Halloween-costume overkill, a la "Occupy My Panties" -- but there's something about "Occupy the Rose Parade" that's still so hilarious. Just the thought of those grizzled, outdoorsy revolutionaries, all up in the Queen of the Tournament's pretty-princess grill (this was supposed to be MY day!), might be enough to rouse us from hangover and turn on the telly.

Even more hilarious is Occupy the Rose Parade's PR-worthy pitch for their stakeout of choice:

"Those lucky enough to get Grandstand tickets or a spot along the Rose Parade route are treated to a two-hour Parade of magnificent floral floats, talented marching bands, and high-stepping equestrians. The five-and-a-half mile Rose Parade route begins at the corner of Ellis Street and Orange Grove Boulevard in Pasadena. The Parade travels north on Orange Grove at a leisurely 2.5-mile per hour pace and then turns east onto Colorado Boulevard where the majority of the Parade takes place."

"High-stepping equestrians"? Seriously? What happened to "Everything is not coming up roses"?

[@simone_electra/swilson@laweekly.com]

Tags:

clowns, human float, New Year's, Occupy L.A., Occupy the Rose Parade, Occupy Wall Street, Pasadena, protesters, Queen of the Tournament, the Rose Parade

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anonymous

"Just the thought of those grizzled, outdoorsy revolutionaries, all up in the Queen of the Tournament's pretty-princess grill (this was supposed to be MY day!)",----Simone, you are too funny. Can't stop laughing. But please leave our sacred parade alone. A lot of unpaid volunteer effort goes into staging this traditional extravaganza. Keep those grizzled folks in LA where they belong.

Nicksmema

What is wrong with enjoying a beautiful parade. Put your anger to good use go find a job. Do something constructive. Because of these idiots alot of cops are having to work overtime on the holiday. This will cost the city of Pasadena a lot of money..What is the purpose of that.

Anonymous

The point of the protests are not about simply being unemployed, which is a common misconception. These protests cover a wide range of issues and have a wide range of support, including many who actually do have jobs. This is about participating in a democracy by actually voicing your opinion on issues and redressing your grievances to your government, which is in its essence the quintessential aspect of America. They are protesting against the imperialistic wars that we are waging, the disparity in wealth, the role that money plays in our political system, and other issues.

Why should Occupy protesters be criticized for the city's decision to heighten their use of police force? The Occupy protests have been peaceful, and have only gotten to a point of violence when police create a confrontation.

Finally, you ask what is the purpose of doing any of this? What is the purpose of living in a democratic nation if you do not voice your opinion? You may say 'oh voting is voicing your opinion' and it is in a small sense, but really now that money is considered free speech thanks to the Citizen's United Supreme Court decision, your vote gets outweighed by corporations who contribute to both sides in order to have a stake in who ever gets elected.

LisaPetlock

I actually think Ratigan’s great. Finally, something to spice up the parade and to get some serous media attention on the real problems facing everybody. Sick of this over militarized extravaganza. It gets more and more corporate every year with mroe and more banks. Nice collection of videos on the website. I just saw the film that all these occupiers keep touting. It rings so true. I hope they can get people from across the country to join.