Food Network Star Paula Deen Named 2011 Tournament of Roses® Grand Marshal

PASADENA, Calif., Oct. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- The Tournament of Roses revealed today that Paula Deen is going to whip up some friendships, fold in some dreams and roll out some memories on New Year's Day as the Grand Marshal of the 2011 Rose Parade® festivities.  Themed Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories, the 2011 Rose Parade presented by Honda will pay tribute to the millions of people worldwide whose dreams create the foundation for America's New Year Celebration® and the lifetime friendships and memories that are created by volunteers, participants and fans.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20101026/LA89219)

(Photo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20101026/LA89219)

As Grand Marshal, Paula Deen will ride in the 122nd Rose Parade presented by Honda in front of a worldwide television audience, and toss the coin before the 97th Rose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO on January 1, 2011.

"Paula Deen is a true icon and the perfect person to serve as the Grand Marshal for our theme Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories," said Jeffrey L. Throop, president of the Tournament of Roses.  "An American sweetheart and a true success story, Paula Deen embodies

what it means to build a dream into reality.  She has shared her friendships and memories with us all through her down-to-earth cooking and treasured recipes and we can't wait to build memories together with her on New Year's Day."

"I am so thrilled to have the opportunity to be a part of such a special American tradition that brings such joy to so many every year," said Grand Marshal Paula Deen.  "In my house, the Rose Parade and the Rose Bowl Game have always been a grand tradition for ringing in the New Year. To serve as Grand Marshal is a dream come true and I look forward to sharing the celebration with all of the fans and viewers worldwide."

Paula Deen is the quintessential American success story.  From humble beginnings as a young divorcee and mother of two boys on a shoestring budget, the Albany, Ga., native parlayed $200 and her love of cooking into a home-based meal delivery service called "The Bag Lady."  With the help of her two sons Jamie and Bobby, Deen delivered homemade brown-bag lunches to local businesses.  The business didn't stay small for long, gaining momentum and great popularity, leading Deen to open her first restaurant, The Lady and Sons, in Savannah, Ga.

The authentic Southern cooking was a hit with patrons and the media alike.  In 1999, USA Today food critic Jerry Shriver named The Lady and Sons "International Meal of the Year."

The success of the restaurant paved the way for Paula Deen's work in publishing.  She has sold more than eight million books and launched her bimonthly magazine title, Cooking With Paula Deen, read by more than one million readers.

In addition to her exceptional culinary talents, Deen's warm personality, grounded nature and infectious love of food and family made her a natural television star.  Her first show, "Paula's Home Cooking" premiered on the Food Network in November of 2002.  An instant hit with the audience, her second show, "Paula's Party" premiered in 2006.  Today, Deen has two shows running concurrently on the Food Network, including "Paula's Best Dishes" which premiered in 2008.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade® presented by Honda, Rose Bowl Game® presented by VIZIO and various associated events. The 122nd Rose Parade presented by Honda, themed Building Dreams, Friendships & Memories, will take place Saturday, Jan. 1, 2011, at 8 a.m. (PST) featuring majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. Following the parade, the 97th Rose Bowl Game presented by VIZIO will kick off at 2:10 p.m. (PST) and feature an exciting match-up between two of the top collegiate football teams in the nation.  For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

SOURCE Pasadena Tournament of Roses