Santa Fe Springs approves $600,000 contract with Phoenix Decorating for Rose Parade floats

The Santa Fe Springs City Council voted to authorize a contract with Phoenix Decorating Company to produce floats for the Pasadena Tournament of Roses parades in 2026, 2027 and 2028, approving up to $600,000 for the three-year effort and an initial $200,000 allocation for fiscal year 2024–25.

City staff said Phoenix is one of three float builders approved by the Tournament of Roses Association and highlighted the vendor’s experience, proximity and award history. The company would apply for parade entry on the city’s behalf; if accepted, Phoenix would build the float frames, then city volunteers would attach floral and dry materials in the week before each parade.

"This is an excellent opportunity for the City of Santa Fe Springs to participate in the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade in 2026, '27, and '28, and to request approval, to contract with Phoenix Decorating Company to design, to produce, and to operate the, Rose Parade Floats for the next 3 years," said Marisara Balderas, staff member, in her presentation to the council.

Staff described the cost as $200,000 per entry per year; the council approved a contract not to exceed $600,000 for the three entries and instructed staff to allocate $200,000 from the Heritage Art in Public Places special fund for FY 2024–25. Staff emphasized that the Heritage fund is supported by development and redevelopment fees and that the float funding would not come from the general fund or from city taxpayers.

Council members said the project offers civic pride and community engagement opportunities, including youth participation in float decoration and visibility for the city during its planned 70th anniversary in 2027 and the Los Angeles Olympic period in 2028. The Heritage Arts Advisory Committee unanimously recommended Council approval.

The motion to authorize the contract, allocate the initial funding and allow Phoenix to apply for parade entry passed by unanimous vote.