As thousands of spectators gather to get a glimpse of the more than three dozen floral-covered floats set to make their way down Colorado Boulevard during Wednesday’s 131st Rose Parade, authorities are reminding motorists to expect traffic delays and the closure of nearby streets and freeway onramps.
Colorado Boulevard closed to traffic as of 10 p.m. Tuesday and will remain closed until after the parade and ensuing cleanup.
Onramps to the Long Beach (710) Freeway and the Foothill (210) Freeway, among others will also be closed. Real-time freeway information is available at Caltrans Quickmap, quickmap.dot.ca.gov/.
Caltrans says motorists who are not attending the parade are advised to avoid the area or use alternate routes.
People who are camping out overnight for the parade, or planning to arrive early in the morning should take heed of the following rules:
— Small, professionally made barbecues that are elevated at least 1 foot off the ground are permitted along the route, but they must be at least 25 feet from buildings and other combustibles. A fire extinguisher also must be readily available.
— People under age 18 will only be permitted on the parade route from 10 p.m. Monday to 5 a.m. Tuesday if they are supervised by an adult.
— Parade-goers should be prepared for cold weather and dress in layers.
— Tents, sofas or boxes that can be used as stools or seats are prohibited along the route.
— Bonfires along the route are prohibited.
— No items can be sold along the route without a city permit.
— Selling spaces along the parade route is prohibited.
— Horns may not be sold, given away or purchased along the route.
— No public areas can be roped off.
— Ladders or scaffolding that can be used for elevated viewing of the parade are prohibited.
— Open containers of alcohol are prohibited on public streets and sidewalks and other public areas.
Also barred along the parade route are drones. The “No Drone Zone” ordered by the Federal Aviation Administration also extends to flights over the Rose Bowl during the football game, FBI spokeswoman Laura Eimiller said. Anyone who violates the drone ban may be subject to arrest, prosecution, jail and/or fines, she said.
Detailed information on parade rules and safety tips is available online at www.visitpasadena.com or www.cityofpasadena.net/police.
As usual, security will be tight along the parade route, and anyone found violating the law or creating a disturbance will be removed from the area. Parade viewers are asked to report any suspicious activity and call 911 in the event of an emergency, or call 626-744-4241 for non-emergencies.