At this year's parade, support for CA Grown Flowers and certification efforts were front and center. A few of the high points include:
- Secretary Karen Ross' continued support and involvement
- Certificates of Recognition from Das Williams and Senator Connie Leyva
- Four certified CA Grown entries - Miracle-Gro, California Milk Advisory Board, CalPoly Universities and FTD parade vehicles.
- One certified American Grown entry from the National Parks Service.
- Two flower farmers on the Miracle-Gro float.
- 38 farm ambassadors (volunteers).
- 7,500 "CA Grown" stickers distributed.
- HGTV mention of CA Grown Certification.
- ABC mention of CA Grown Certification.
- Front page article in the Santa Barbara NewsPress.
- Ty Pennington's support and endorsement of California Grown Flowers.
- Post-parade activation for California Grown.
- 50,000+ stems of flowers donated to CalPoly.
- Hundreds of amazing photos on Flickr by Linda Blue.
The National Park Service equestrian entry was Certified American Grown - a program first.
And the icing on the cake was the fact that the Certified CA Grown floats were also award winners. Miracle-Gro won the Governor's Trophy for the best depiction of life in California; CalPoly's float won the Lathrop K. Leishman trophy for the most beautiful non-commericial float; and the California Milk Advisory Board's float won the Tournament Special Trophy for most beautiful entry for exceptional merit in multiple classifications.
As featured on the Tournament of Roses Facebook page, California flower farmers Harry VanWingerden and Mel Resendiz waved to the crowds as they ride down the parade route on the CA Grown Certified Miracle-Gro float.
For more information:
California Cut Flower Commission
www.ccfc.org
