Illinois Tourism has entered another float in the 135th Rose Parade in Pasadena, California, on New Year’s Day, and Route 66 figures prominently in the design.
According to a news release:
To reflect the Rose Parade’s theme, “Celebrating a World of Music,” Enjoy Illinois will spotlight the state’s music history along Route 66 with its float called, “Illinois: The Middle of Beats & Blues,” a nod to the state’s award-winning tourism campaign, “Middle of Everything.” Parade spectators will experience a captivating live musical performance by the hit a cappella group Straight No Chaser delivering a medley from the iconic movie filmed in Illinois, “The Blues Brothers.” The float will feature a replica of a drive-in movie scene, showcasing “Joliet” Jake Blues and his brother Elwood, along with a classic 1950’s car.
“We are thrilled to showcase Illinois at the 2024 Rose Parade for the second year in a row and celebrate the state’s rich music history along Route 66 with our “Illinois: The Middle of Beats & Blues” float,” said Daniel Thomas, Deputy Director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Office of Tourism. “From the Route 66 starting point in Chicago to Springfield and Collinsville and all the historic small towns in between, the Mother Road serves as the crossroads of cultural expression, offering unique attractions and adventures you can only experience in Illinois.”
The Enjoy Illinois float recreates the iconic Illinois Route 66 Scenic Byway, starting with Chicago’s Route 66 “Begin” sign. The journey through the float reveals larger-than-life replicas of the Gemini Giant spaceman in Wilmington, the Pink Elephant in Livingston, and the World’s Largest Catsup Bottle in Collinsville – an homage to the quirky roadside attractions along the historic route. At the front of the float, iconic Springfield landmarks, Shea’s Gas Station and the Route 66 Legends Neon Sign Park Experience, offer a glimpse into Route 66 landmarks around the state’s capital.
The float took nearly three months to build and will feature nearly 30,000 flowers. The Rose Parade will start at 8 a.m. Pacific time on New Year’s Day. The parade will be broadcast by ABC, NBC and several other channels; check local listings.
And, in case you didn’t know, the Rose Parade goes down Pasadena’s Colorado Boulevard, aka Route 66.
The Enjoy Illinois “The Middle of Beats & Blues” float will be available for viewing post-parade on Jan. 1-2, 2024 during Float Fest accompanied by a special appearance from Enjoy Illinois’ mascot, Big Lincoln.
(Artist’s rendering of the Enjoy Illinois float courtesy of Illinois Tourism)