Cal Poly Universities Rose Float

These two institutions have continuously participated in the parade since 1949; winning the Award of Merit in their first year.

This program is one of the longest consecutive running self-built[1] entries in the parade, as well as the only "self built" float designed and constructed entirely by students year-round on two campuses.

They compete against professional float builders who manufacture entries for sponsors, many of them with development budgets approaching $1 million.

Road & Track magazine did a road test of the Cal Poly Universities Rose Float as part of their annual April issue of unusual vehicles.

[3] For the 2022 float, a football tribute was added in memory of John Madden, who received degrees from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.