LOUISIANA TO ONCE AGAIN JOIN THE PASADENA TOURNAMENT OF ROSES NEW YEAR CELEBRATION

BATON ROUGE, La. - For the fifth year in a row, Louisiana will roll in the Tournament of Roses Parade in Pasadena, California, and on the screens of audiences across the world. The 2026 parade theme is "The Magic in Teamwork," celebrating that by working together we can achieve outcomes so much richer than we can ever experience as individuals. In keeping with this theme, the Louisiana float "Gulf to Gumbo" recognizes all the individuals who contribute to Louisiana's most famous dish. The float features a shrimp boat, fresh Louisiana seafood, and a larger-than-life chef bringing it all together.

"From the shrimpers to the chefs, a fresh pot of seafood gumbo is a team effort. The people of Louisiana are what make our state so special, and that goes beyond our delicious food. Hotel staff, tour guides and people you meet on the street create a one-of-a-kind welcoming experience for visitors to Louisiana," said Lieutenant Governor Billy Nungesser.

Louisiana will provide the mid-parade entertainment again in 2026, featuring rising country singer and American Idol runner-up, John Foster. Originally from Addis, Louisiana, Foster has already made his Grand Ole Opry debut and was invited back for three additional dates.

The Louisiana Office of Tourism has sponsored a float in the Rose Parade each year since 2022. The state's participation in 2025 resulted in media coverage that reached an advertising value of over $50 million.

"Louisiana steals the show each year at the Rose Parade and we've taken home an award for every float we've entered," said Lt. Governor Nungesser. "Our krewe brings so much celebration and fun to Pasadena with us that we stand out before the float even rolls. We are excited for another year of showing the world how you can Feed Your Soul in Louisiana."

In 2022, Louisiana's float won the Wrigley Legacy Award for most outstanding display of floral presentation, float design and entertainment. In 2023 and 2024, the Louisiana float won the Showmanship Award for most outstanding display of showmanship and entertainment. In 2025, Louisiana won the Director's Award for the most outstanding artistic design and use of floral and non-floral materials.

The 137th Rose Parade presented by Honda will roll on January 1, 2026, and broadcast live all over the world at 10 a.m. Central through Rose Parade broadcast partners, including ABC, NBC, Univision and Pluto TV.

For information on how to join Louisiana to decorate the 2026 Louisiana float in Pasadena, visit the Explore Louisiana Rose Parade webpage.

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Image: For a fifth year, Louisiana will be represented in the Tournament of Roses Parade with it's float Gulf to Gumbo.

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