Rose Parade Rear Guard and other Los Angeles, CA Local Custom Tips

You don't see this on TV! Because we were further down the parade route, the spacing between participants was no longer consistent. Thus, for long stretches of time we couldn't see any horses, bands, or floats. Many asked, "Is the parade over?" A lady, who had seen it all before, said that you know that the parade is over when you see people carrying signs like "Repent! The End is Near!" I only half-believed her. Until I saw them and several tow trucks bringing up the rear of the parade. Yup! The parade was over!

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L.A.'s Chinese community celebrates the Lunar New Year with firecrackers and a big parade in Chinatown. This fairly long parade has the usual marching bands, floats, and local celebrities sprinkled with dragon dancers, lion dancers, and martial artists. After the parade, you may want to check out the shops and restaurants there.

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Website: www.lagoldendragonparade.com

Pasadena's Americafest on the 4th of July features a spectacular fireworks display. Some claim (with good reason) that it's the best in the West. Starting at 9:00 PM, you'll be regaled for 35 minutes with all kinds of fireworks effects accompanied by stirring patriotic music. It builds up to a crescendo until the finale when the night sky is turned into day for a few moments by the dazzling pyrotechnics.

Before the fireworks, the people were entertained (in 2004) by a BMX bike stunt show, the Flying Elvi (10 Elvis Presley impersonators parachuting into the stadium and then performing), and several singers and bands. At one point, the people were allowed to occupy the turf. Many spread their blanket on the grass and relaxed while watching the entertainers and, later, the fireworks.

Ticket to this event costs $20.

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