"~Pasadena~" Pasadena by Yaqui

The first settlers where the Hahamogna Tribe of Native Americans that lived in villages along the Arroyo Seco canyons and up along the mountains down South of Pasadena. When the Catholic Church of Spain established one of many missions, the San Gabriel Mission helped the area grow when it established orchards, vineyards and stock. Eventually much of lands were broken up into deeds to citizens of Spain creating vast lands of Rancho’s. One of those was Rancho el Rincon de San Pascua of 14,000 acres. Like so many rancho’s they passed thru generations and several hands before finally being owned by Colonel Manuel Garfias in 1843. Sadly he could not pay the taxes, thus it ended up in the hands of Dr. John S. Griffin and Benjamin "Don Benito" Wilson in 1873. The city was incorporated in 1886 and during the next decade sewers, paved streets, and electric street lighting were installed.

The first parade started in 1890 by the members of Pasadena's Valley Hunt Club. Since New York was always experiencing a heavy winter during this time, Prefessor Holder suggest that since this part of the country was still thriving with flowering blooms and a plentiful orchard crop, why not have a parade featuring them. During the next years the parade grew and grew with marching bands and actual motorize vehicles. Roses Association took over in 1895. By 1902 they started to add more activities and that is when football was included. Yet, people seem to like all the other activites, so football was put aside. Then 1916 football return and was very popular by this time and the crows out grew the existing park, so in 1920 new construction of a new stadium was started. By 1923 the new stadium became “The Rose Bowl" and that was when the first game of the New Years!

Growing up we always watched New Years day the Rose Parade and were so excited to see all the fantastic floats. I am still amazed on the ingenuity of the mechanics involved and the time it takes to put all the pedals or organic materials it takes. So to be able to see a parade in person was really fun and a wonderful experience I will never forget

• Pros:A very historic area!
• Cons:Traffic is not fun!
• In a nutshell:Still a adventured that anyone can enjoy!