Tournament of Roses(R) Announces Cal Poly Universities as Winner of the Viewers' Choice Award

PASADENA, Calif., Jan. 2 /PRNewswire/ -- Together with KTLA, the Tournament of Roses announced Cal Poly Universities as the winner of the second annual Viewers' Choice Award. The float, themed "Jungle Cuts," received 20,788 votes out of a total of 50,535 votes submitted. The RFD-TV float, themed "FFA Today" came in second and the Boy Scouts of America float, themed "Celebrating the Adventure, Continuing the Journey," followed in third.

"Given the success of the inaugural Viewers' Choice Award in 2009, the Tournament of Roses and KTLA made the decision to bring the award back for a second year," said Laura Farber, chairperson of the Tournament of Roses Judging Committee. "We'd like to congratulate Cal Poly Universities for the wonderful float that not only lived up to this year's Parade theme, 2010: A Cut Above The Rest, but was once again declared the fan favorite. We'd also like to thank all the fans who participated in the award with their votes."

The Cal Poly float featured wild animals receiving haircuts and makeovers from monkey barbers performing high above the tree tops. Volunteer decorators from both universities placed more than 15,000 roses on the float. The float is the 62nd consecutive entry from Cal Poly and the second Viewers' Choice Award winner.

On January 1, 2010, Rose Parade fans cast more than 50,000 votes via the KTLA Website for the Viewers' Choice Award. At the site, they were able to view video of the Rose Parade, see the floats again and catch the Parade in its entirety for the first time if they missed it on television. Voting took place from 10:00 a.m. (PST) to 5:00 p.m. (PST).

Cal Poly will be presented with a plaque from the Tournament of Roses Saturday night in front of the float at the Post Parade viewing area. The presentation will be broadcast by the KTLA evening news.

Parade fans also chose Cal Poly Universities as the winner of the inaugural Viewers' Choice Award last year. The float, themed "Seaside Amusement" received 3,219 votes out of a total of 10,618 votes submitted.

About the Pasadena Tournament of Roses®

The Pasadena Tournament of Roses is a volunteer organization that annually hosts the Rose Parade® and Rose Bowl Game® presented by Citi. The 121st Rose Parade themed 2010: A Cut Above the Rest took place Friday, Jan. 1, 2010, at 8 a.m. (PST) and featured majestic floral floats, high-stepping equestrian units and spirited marching bands. Following the Rose Parade, the 96th Rose Bowl Game presented by Citi kicked off at 2:10 p.m. and featured an exciting match-up between the Big Ten Conference champion Ohio State Buckeyes and Pac-10 Conference champion Oregon Ducks.

On January 7, the Tournament of Roses will also host the No. 1 BCS-ranked Alabama Crimson Tide and No. 2 BCS-ranked Texas Longhorns in the 2010 Citi BCS National Championship Game. The Game will kick off at 5:38 p.m. (PST) from the historic Rose Bowl Stadium. For additional information on the Tournament of Roses please visit the official website at www.tournamentofroses.com.

    CONTACT:
    PASADENA TOURNAMENT
    OF ROSES ASSOCIATION
    Vanessa Flores
    (323) 377-0017

SOURCE The Pasadena Tournament of Roses Association