Tournament of the Roses with Family Day! This year they are paying a special tribute to their float designer, Raul R. Rodriguez. Volunteers and their families were seen crushing coconuts that will go on the floats in this year’s Rose Parade competition. Families not only came to volunteer but enjoyed a fun-filled day with facepainting, rock climbing, balloon twisting, photos with Santa and the Rose Court, lunch from food trucks, and sampled DOLE treats like chocolate covered frozen bananas and pineapples.

“Rodriguez designed 528 floats during his 38-year long career, 31 of which were Sweepstakes Trophy winners in the Rose Parade. Throughout its participation in the prestigious Rose Parade, DOLE has explored various countries and cultures where DOLE fruit is grown. Raul R. Rodriguez brought the stories of the destinations to life with stunning floral displays, along with fresh fruit grown by DOLE for use on each float. To further honor Rodriguez, DOLE is making a monetary donation in the designers’ name to California State University Long Beach, where he is a distinguished alumni.”

Rodriguez passed away early this year, and the photo I took with him below was from 3 years ago.

“Live On Green” Free Event
(December 29-31, 2016)

Join DOLE at the first “Live on Green” event in Downtown Pasadena. The three day event at the Pasadena Convention Center will have a special memoriam for Raul R. Rodriguez. This free event will have live food and beverage demos with DOLE California Cook-Off champion Ally Phillips from AllysKitchen.com throughout the event as well as the Dole Bistro.

One lucky winner and a guest will get to travel to a rain forest paradise. Now through midnight on December 31, 2015, fans can enter for a chance to win a grand prize Hawaiian vacation, including hotel and airfare. For more information about the sweepstakes, and to enter, visit Facebook.com/DolePackaged or Dole.com/paradise.

Dole’s Rose Parade float has won 5 consecutive years as the Sweepstakes Trophy winner in the Tournament of the Roses Parade. Will they reign again for their 6th year? You’ll have to tune in on New Year’s Day to find out!